It’s the first of September today. The Jewish new year starts around this time. The tradition is to look back on the past year with thanks to God and reflection on what didn’t go well. They look forward to a new year with no regrets and learn from their failings. They leave their burdens with The Lord, and enter into the new year with hope.

I agree with this outlook. Often we are weighed down with guilt and despair with ongoing problems not changing. We go to a counsellor. Our problems are regurgitated, and poured out to someone who is paid to listen. The failings are stamped deeper in one’s brain. They will resurface again in times of loneliness of stress.

We live in an age when mental illness is rife. Waiting rooms in hospitals are filled with distressed people, physically and emotionally, waiting for hours to be seen by a doctor.

Why not spend thirty minutes to an hour in a Church. It will be more fruitful than ten hours in a hospital waiting room or weeks attending a counsellor.

God promises to be with His people. Where two or three are gathered He is present. You may meet someone there to share your problems with. It will not cost any money. When we tell our failings to God like the Jews God forgives and doesn’t remember them any more. The problem can be one doesn’t forgive oneself and chews over the situation.

Have this mentality. Release the ingrained thoughts of failures and remember them no more. God doesn’t remember them so why should you.

Happy New Year