Reflection on Today's Verse
Salvation didn’t start with your effort… and it won’t be sustained by your effort. God didn’t save you because you finally became “good enough.” He saved you because He is merciful.
That means when you feel like you’re back at square one… after a failure, a dry season, or a messy week… you don’t run back to God with a résumé. You run back with empty hands and honest faith. The same mercy that saved you is the mercy that carries you.
And the verse goes even deeper: God doesn’t just forgive… He renews. The Christian life isn’t “try harder.” It’s “be made new.” When you feel stuck in old habits or old shame, this verse whispers: He’s still in the business of renewing.
Personal Prayer
Father, thank You that You saved me not by works of righteousness that I have done, but according to Your mercy. When I’m tempted to trust my performance, bring me back to the truth of Your grace.
Wash away the guilt that clings to my mind, and renew me by Your Holy Spirit. Help me walk today in the confidence that I am saved because of what You have done, not what I can do. Teach me to rest in Your mercy, and let my life reflect gratitude… not fear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.