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 honor 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, NIV)

  Good thoughts as we begin a new year. Good thoughts for anytime of the
  year. God has such wonderful things planned for your future that all the
  past ones will be forgotten. From the context it is obvious that the
  future restoration of Israel is the event to come, and the former things
  refers to the destruction of Sennacherib and the return from Babylon. The past likely means more ancient
  events like the deliverance from Egypt and at the Red Sea, and the entry into Canaan.

  We would do well to apply these same thoughts of the goodness of God to
  our own circumstances as we make our way through another year.

  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 over night. You may need someone or some place where it is
  safe for you 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 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
  midst. 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 workplace. 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.