A New Thing
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland. The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the desert and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.” Isaiah 43:18-21
God has such wonderful things planned for your future that all the past ones will be forgotten.
From the scripture context, it is obvious that the future restoration of Israel is the event to come, and the former things refer to the destruction of Sennacherib and the return from Babylon.
The past could also mean more distant events like the deliverance from Egypt and the Red Sea, and the entry into the promised land.
We should apply these same thoughts of the goodness of God to our own circumstances as we make our way through year 2022.
Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. Did anything happen to you last year that you would like to forget? Did you do or say anything last year that you wish you could forget? Are there things that lurk in the dark places of your mind that you wish you could forget? Are there scars from injuries suffered long ago that continue to haunt you? You may have been carrying hurt, shame, and pain for years. Burdens that weary your soul, drain your spirit, and diminish your hope. It is time to forget the former things and stop dwelling on the past. It may not be easy. It may not happen overnight. You may need someone or someplace where it is safe for you to unload and sort through the rubble. Seek such a person. Find the safe place.
These words serve as a reminder that your life is not over. God has not forgotten you. God has not deserted you. One of the beauties of a new year is that we have an opportunity to forget the former things and stop dwelling on the past. This is a perfect time to start over. There is no reason to carry the past with you for another day. Forget the former things. Stop dwelling on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? God is doing a new thing in your life. God is doing a new thing in your heart. God is doing a new thing in your faith. God is doing a new thing in your marriage. God is doing a new thing in your family. God is doing a new thing in your career. It springs up out of the desert places and wastelands of your world. God is doing a new thing in your relationships. Do you see it? Will you recognize it?
As you begin this year, throughout the year, and throughout your life remember that God is doing a new thing. See what He is doing. Never stop looking for what He is doing. Keep your eyes open. Pay attention. Listen with your heart as well as see with your eyes. Hear what He is saying. See what He is doing.
God said, See I am doing a new thing. May you be blessed with peace and joy as you experience the new thing God is doing in your life. Amen.