Thursday was Groundhog’s Day. And unless you’re caught in the same trap that weatherman Bill Connors found himself in the popular ’93 movie “Groundhog Day”, you woke up this morning to a new day. According to the premise of the comedic movie, Bill was stuck reliving the same day over, and over, and over, and over again, until he got it “right”.
Such an idea makes for a funny movie. But, it also isn’t too far fetched from what we desire ourselves, is it? How many of us wish for a do-over? We think of the witty, or smart, or kind comment long after the situation has passed. We are embarrassed and ashamed by the way a certain conversation deteriorated into a full-blown fight. We regret hurtful words that came out of our mouth, or uplifting ones that remained unsaid. We lament the wasted moments on which we didn’t capitalize. We recall the missed opportunities to demonstrate love, encourage another, or help unselfishly. We realize that yet another day came to an end without our goals ever being addressed. And perhaps we even realize that, despite our best of intentions, we never invited God into any of our moments and minutes.
In all honesty, as frustrating and annoying as it may be, Bill Connor’s dilemma doesn’t actually sound so awful. Reliving the day until we get it right. What a freeing concept.
What Bill Connor experienced thanks to Hollywood, however, is actually our daily gift from the Lord. God is
in the business of wiping the slate clean, and giving us a daily do-over. I am so encouraged by Lamentations 3:22-23, “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Not only do we get a do-over, but we are filled anew with God’s mercy and supported by His faithfulness.
God also promises to give us a new heart and a new spirit (Ezekiel 36:26), so we aren’t having to muster up super-human strength to get it right on our own. Bill Connor may have had to learn French and remember to toast to world peace, rather than the groundhog, but we are empowered by the Spirit, and transformed into the likeness of Christ. If you ask me, that’s even better than Hollywood do-overs.
As another day comes to an end, rest in the truth and assurance that, “In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3). Walk in the knowledge of His forgiveness, grace and mercies – everyday – not just Groundhog’s Day!
