Psalm 40:1-3 
I waited patiently for the Lord to help me, 
and he turned to me and heard my cry. 
He lifted me out of the pit of despair, 
out of the mud and the mire. 
He set my feet on solid ground 
and steadied me as I walked along. 
He has given me a new song to sing, 
a hymn of praise to our God. 
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. 
They will put their trust in the Lord. (NLT)

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God can do more with my failures and shortcomings than I can do with my signature successes.  

God is good all the time, and I am not. Aren’t you glad he doesn’t require sinless perfection from people like us who often can’t seem to get out of our own way? 

There is a temptation to feel like I am smarter, better, and faster than I am. I’m pretty sure I’m not alone in this regard. 

Now and again, my overconfidence leads to a humbling experience that sets me back in the place where I belong. I have come to see these moments as a matter of God’s kindness. His correction and redirection save me from bigger problems down the line. 

Many years ago now, I made a decision that was quite acceptable in and of itself. However, I handled it poorly. Since the decision affected the whole church where I served as pastor, I apologized to the whole church one Sunday morning. They graciously forgave me and learned new ways of praying for me.

Sometimes, a setback sets us up for growth, development, and success we would not achieve otherwise. Stepping back for perspective is a gift we can give ourselves. Reflection leads to insights we would not gain otherwise. Wise counsel provides the necessary focus for how to avoid similar mistakes in the future. 

New songs often result from losses, setbacks, and focused reorientation. I’m singing a new song today because of what I learned yesterday. How about you? 

This Monday finds me humbled, chastened, wobbly, and grateful. I am humbled in the face of my failure. I am chastened by the realization of a poor performance. I am wobbly because of a touch of vertigo. I am grateful for how patient God is and how faithfully he takes me where I am and leads me where I need to be. 

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I will begin again more intelligently. 

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Our Father, please forgive me for my failure. Empower me to begin again more intelligently. Set my feet on solid ground. Steady me as I learn yesterday’s lessons. Lead me into new growth and development which will prevent more setbacks of the same kind. Amen.