A Clean Slate

 

Genesis 8:15-19

And God spake unto Noah, saying, Go forth of the ark, thou, and thy wife, and thy sons, and thy sons' wives with thee. Bring forth with thee every living thing that is with thee, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth; that they may breed abundantly in the earth, and be fruitful, and multiply upon the earth. And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons' wives with him: every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatsoever creepeth upon the earth, after their kinds, went forth out of the ark.

After it was clear that the earth was suitable for habitation, the eight people and all the animals left the ark. This was 377 days after they had entered it (cf. 7:11 with 8:13–14). The theme of “rest” seems to be quite strong throughout the story. The ark rested (v. 4); at first the dove could find no place to set its feet (v. 9; lit., “could not find a resting place for its feet”). When the ark came to rest on Ararat, this was more than a physical landing on dry ground. It was a new beginning; the world was clean and at rest.^[1]

For our great grandparents, it was a new beginning, a fresh start, and a chance for a reset.

So, what are we referring to? Historically the phrase “clean slate” comes from the use of chalk and slates in classroom environments. It’s a chance to start over without preconceptions. A new start—a brand new beginning; especially clearing the record of mistakes, failures, regrets, and missed opportunities.

We give ourselves permission to believe that we can move forward living with a slate that is cleaned.  It may have been through confession, reassurance, or checking, but the future is clearly in view now. Optimism surrounding prospects is our new focus and motivation.

It is paramount that we let go of the past, identify areas we need to revamp, and intentionally guide our lives forward towards moving trajectories (Phil. 3:8-14). With heightened self-awareness and rock solid fortitude, it is possible, even if we cannot completely erase history, for us to start with a relatively clean slate.

A fresh start involves a clearing of the mind, body, and soul, making way for new ideas, concepts, realities, and dreams (Phil. 4:4-9). Yes, your entire being can undergo this fresh start, your career, your personal experiences, your faith, your health/physics, your habits, your goals, and really any maturation or positive changes to your routines. A reset can and should involve every area of your life as indicated in Genesis 6-8.

The unclean raven (v. 7) and the clean dove (v. 8) are good illustrations of the believer’s old and new natures. The old nature loves to feed on garbage and carrion whereas the new nature cannot find satisfaction in a scene of death and judgment. It finds no rest until it sets its feet on resurrection ground.^[2]

Standing firmly on resurrection ground embrace this chance to begin again—to try again, hope again and even attempt something glorifying to God, but never expected. You see, this is your time of resurrection, restoration, and helpful change. I personally believe God is always working behind the scenes in our lives to bring about new beginnings.

In the world of psychology, a clean slate is rooted in the idea that we often view new beginnings as a chance to distance ourselves from past disappointments and deficiencies. This can lead to a kind of reset, with us experiencing a renewed sense of optimism, self-efficacy, and motivation. It sounds so inviting and promising to the child of God!

A fresh start in Christ, an innovative definition of self with the Lord at our center and redefining yourself with God’s definitions can be igniting! What a powerful way to begin a new routine, a new habit, set new goals, and to include a supporting mechanism of family and friends to help you succeed in Christ. I am excited about what the future promises for you. Your time…is now.

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^[1] Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 39–40.

^[2] William MacDonald, Believer’s Bible Commentary: Old and New Testaments, ed. Arthur Farstad (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1995), 44.