2 Chronicles 33:11-13 (NLT)
So the Lord sent the commanders of the Assyrian armies, and they took Manasseh prisoner. They put a ring through his nose, bound him in bronze chains, and led him away to Babylon. But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and sincerely humbled himself before the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request. So the Lord brought Manasseh back to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Then Manasseh finally realized that the Lord alone is God!
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Manasseh had been the worst king in the history of Israel, dragging the entire nation into sin and idolatry, and as a consequence, into slavery and destruction. But even though he was a king, he came to realize that he was no better than the lowliest sinner in the sight of God and that his sin had grave and even deadly affect on everyone under his influence. In the midst of his anguish, he repented and God restored him.
You may be in the same condition as Manasseh, suffering and causing others to suffer the consequences of your unconfessed sins. Do not start this new year in this prison of guilt, shame and anguish. Humble yourself, seek God, ask for His forgiveness and and receive from Him the freedom that only He can give. In this way, 2023 can begin with expectations of blessing.
You may want to pray something like this: Father God, as I begin this new year, I humble myself before You to acknowledge the things I have done wrong and repent for the way I have impacted others. I ask for Your forgiveness and for freedom from all the bondage my sin has caused––for myself and for those affected by my actions. Bless and guide me in all that I do in this new year, and Forgive and guide our nation into this path to freedom, for Your honor and glory. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Have a blessed day!
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