Isaiah 43:18-19
Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.
2024 is now past with its highs and lows, successes and failures, joys and pains. We have now entered a new year, and before us are endless possibilities of what God is able to do. There are two things that we ought to do as exhorted by today’s passage: First, we should forget what has already been. We should not be stuck in the past either through fondly reminiscing great moments or painfully bemoaning the bad. The past is already past, and we are now past it.
Secondly, we should look forward with hope. God promises in this passage that He is doing a new thing. And He has a track record of doing new things in people’s lives and in societies. What we need to do is wear our spiritual eyes and see what God is already doing. “Do you not perceive it?” He asks. In the wilderness and deserts of our lives, God is going to make a way. He is going to provide refreshment. It doesn’t matter how 2024 was, we can look with hope to the God who faithfully does a new thing. And hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5). Here’s to new things in 2025!
Reflections
1. Can you perceive what new thing God is doing in your life, your family, church, or even this nation?
2. What do you need to do in light of today’s devotion.
