On the Eve of New

This is what the Lord says – He who made a way through the sea, a path through the waters, “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 wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” – (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19, NIV)

The Lord is making roads through the sea. He is making a path for His people, and even through rough waters. The Lord says, “So don’t remember what happened in earlier times. Don’t think about what happened a long time ago, because I am doing something new! Now you will grow like a new plant. Surely you know this is true. I will even make a road in the desert and rivers will flow through the dry land.” – (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19, ERV)

The Lord says – who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters… Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. Look! I am doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness. – (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19, CEB)

 

I love that the Lord reminds us to not dwell on the past, and to look and see the new things that He is doing. Rather than calling 2018, change; it is a NEW year. God has new things in store for each of us. Change can be scary, yet there is excitement and anticipation with things that are new. Personally, 2018 holds much in store that is new, and I am eager to walk forward in faith into all that lies ahead. He is good, and I can trust Him in all things and at all times. New does not necessarily mean easy, but growth takes work – just as a seed has to stretch and push to break through the darkness to reach the nourishing light needed to grow further, we must do likewise. May we outstretch arms to heaven, and trust in all of the new that our Heavenly Father holds in His hands for each of us in the upcoming year.

 

On the eve of new, 

May we each embrace;

The hope that new holds,

In light of God’s grace.

For where there was once,

No possible way;

New things now spring up,

As we trust and pray.

Once raging waters,

Part with open road;

Set path before us,

Equipped to now go.

Eyes looking forward,

Trust filling each heart;

Blessings this new year,

Each day a fresh start.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You make a way through what seems impossible. Thank You that You remind us not to dwell on what has been, but rather to see what You are doing now and anticipate the new that You bring. Forgive us for dwelling on the past or not opening our eyes to Your mighty hand at work all around us. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would embrace the new that You have in store for us, knowing that You are good. Show us how to love those around us in a way that helps them to see the new that You are doing. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we anticipate and embrace all the new that You are bringing in the coming year. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make His face shine upon us. – Psalm 67:1

In Heaven’s Hold

In but an instant,

all the pain did end;

as strong arms lifted,

His light did attend.

My heart could not hold,

so much to take in;

my once sickly frame,

no more frail and thin.

This heart now so light,

through bright rays we soared;

soon arriving home,

where I am adored.

Knees wanting to bend,

head ready to bow;

I heard Him calling,

“Anne, come to me now.”

His arms were outstretched,

I began to run;

to my loving Lord,

Overcoming One.

As I reached His arms,

fell in His embrace;

He spun me around,

looked upon my face.

Though I was fearful,

of what I might see;

tender loving eyes,

were looking at me.

With ear to His chest,

I heard His heartbeat;

He told me the sound,

was His love for me.

He allowed me stay,

in the warmth of Him;

’til I was ready,

to get down again.

Back upon my feet,

He offered His hand;

together we walked,

marveled at this land.

All around I peered,

at so much to see;

He then reminded,

that all was for me.

Do not fear friends,

I now know such peace;

I’ll be here waiting,

for your sweet release.

So much to behold,

such wonder to see;

may you find great joy,

when you think of me.

“Yet I am always with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterward You will take me into glory.” – (Psalm 73:23-24)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that in You, death is not the end, but rather, the beginning. Thank You that You have gone before us to prepare a place in paradise forever. Forgive us for fearing our own end on earth, and help us to hold a heavenly view. Teach us to live and love as though we will see You very soon, as this life is but an instant in comparison to eternity. May our love and hope, even in times of great sorrow and struggle, show those who know You not yet, how to come to hold Your hope and promises as their own. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.