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The Beauty of Starting Again
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:6-13
Turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy . . . for he will freely pardon.
— Isaiah 55:7
There’s something powerful about a fresh start. Whether it’s a new year, a new chapter, or a new morning, we all long for the chance to begin again. But sometimes we wonder if God is really willing to give us that clean slate. Especially when we’ve messed up so many times in our lives.
Isaiah 55 reminds us that starting again isn’t just possible—it’s beautiful. God doesn’t just tolerate our return; he welcomes it with mercy and pardon. That word is key. It means we don’t have to earn our way back or prove ourselves. We just need to turn around and come home.
God is not stingy with second chances. He is generous with grace. If you have strayed, or doubted, or simply gotten stuck, this is your invitation to start again—not because you’re strong, but because God is merciful.
There is beauty in starting again—not because everything in it is perfect, but because God is present in the process.
And that is more than enough.
Lord, thank you for the mercy that meets me every morning. Give me the courage to start again, trusting that in your grace you will carry me forward. Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a cohost of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork and serves as lead chaplain with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry in Michigan. He considers it his life’s calling to create and facilitate life-giving environments in which people can thrive and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Darrell and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading, and playing basketball, chess, and video games.
Scripture Reading — Isaiah 55:6-13
Turn to the LORD, and he will have mercy . . . for he will freely pardon.
— Isaiah 55:7
There’s something powerful about a fresh start. Whether it’s a new year, a new chapter, or a new morning, we all long for the chance to begin again. But sometimes we wonder if God is really willing to give us that clean slate. Especially when we’ve messed up so many times in our lives.
Isaiah 55 reminds us that starting again isn’t just possible—it’s beautiful. God doesn’t just tolerate our return; he welcomes it with mercy and pardon. That word is key. It means we don’t have to earn our way back or prove ourselves. We just need to turn around and come home.
God is not stingy with second chances. He is generous with grace. If you have strayed, or doubted, or simply gotten stuck, this is your invitation to start again—not because you’re strong, but because God is merciful.
There is beauty in starting again—not because everything in it is perfect, but because God is present in the process.
And that is more than enough.
Lord, thank you for the mercy that meets me every morning. Give me the courage to start again, trusting that in your grace you will carry me forward. Amen.
About the author — Darrell Delaney
Darrell Delaney is a cohost of ReFrame’s podcast ministry Groundwork and serves as lead chaplain with Reach the Forgotten Jail Ministry in Michigan. He considers it his life’s calling to create and facilitate life-giving environments in which people can thrive and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ. Darrell and his wife, Kia, have three children. He enjoys spending time with family, walking, reading, and playing basketball, chess, and video games.
