What’s your favourite number?

There’s a good chance you’ll pick the number 7.

In global polls, seven consistently ranks as the most popular favourite number.

With good reason, too.

There are seven days in the week, seven colours in the rainbow, seven continents, and seven seas. The number seven has significance in several major religions. It’s considered a “lucky” number.

But may I suggest you consider making the number 8 a favourite, too?

The number eight has a lot going for it. It’s especially rich in Biblical symbolism.

In the Scriptures, eight often represents a new beginning:

Circumcision occurs on the eighth day, marking entrance into covenant: a new life of belonging to God.

In the process of consecrating priests in the Old Testament, the eighth day heralded a new phase of ministry and access to God.

Eight people were saved in Noah’s ark, a picture of rebirth through water.

David, the eighth son of Jesse, is chosen to be king by Samuel, eight symbolizing new kingship beyond the natural order.

Jesus rose on the first day of the week, which is also the eighth day, marking the new creation and resurrection life.

The early Church Fathers interpreted the number eight as representing resurrection, renewal and eternal life.

In fact, many baptisteries in early Christian architecture were octagonal (eight-sided), invoking this symbolism in tangible form. The newly baptized were called “the eight-day people.”

Could you use a new beginning?

Is the math just not working out in your life? Are you mired in sin, regret, and hopelessness?

If you find yourself behind the 8-ball in life, invite God into your situation and see how He can give that number a new spin.

After all, He specializes in new beginnings!

Take a look at what He did for these Bible characters:

Moses killed an Egyptian in a fit of anger, but God used him to deliver the entire Israelite nation out of slavery.

David committed adultery with Bathsheba and arranged the murder of her husband. After he repented God redeemed him, and David is counted in the lineage of Jesus Christ.

Despite promising unwavering loyalty, Peter denied knowing Jesus three times during his trial. After the resurrection, Jesus personally restored him, and Peter became a bold leader who helped establish the early church.

The Apostle Paul (Saul of Tarsus) originally persecuted the early Christian church. But after a miraculous encounter with Jesus, Paul was transformed into the greatest missionary of the New Testament, writing much of its content.

What might God do with your life?

Trust in the redemption offered by Jesus and find out. Take a step of faith and be made new!

Let today be your “eighth day”!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:17

© 2026 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.