To Notice the New

“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 43:18-19, NIV) 

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 that dry land. – (Isaiah 43:18-19, ERV) 

Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting the victories of days gone by. Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; waters will flow where there had been none. – (Isaiah 43:18-19, VOICE) 

 

We are not called to dwell on the past and spend all of our time focusing on that which has already taken place, but rather we are to walk forward with eyes and hearts open, so that we can see, recognize and know the new things that God is doing as they come to pass. Yes, reflection and appreciation are good, as long as they do not get in the way of living in the present and perceiving the gifts that God is giving as He does new things to make the seemingly impossible, possible. For me, this past year has been one of remarkable blessings and new that God has done both in and for me. If I had been stuck in a space of dwelling on former things, I would not have seen, experienced, and appreciated the incredible new things that He has done. In the same way, if I choose to stay stuck and revel in the glow of recent events, I may miss all of the good that God is doing both today, and in the days yet to come. He is faithful forever, and we are meant to move with eyes and hearts open, so that we are aware of the presence of God in all things. May we embrace the grace that the Lord has for us each new day, and forge forward in faith, trusting that He is doing new things that will bless our hearts and further grow our faith. 

 

Don’t dwell on the past,

For those things are gone; 

Instead, look forward, 

See what’s going on. 

The Lord makes a way, 

Where it seems there’s none; 

Supplies all we need, 

The Most Holy One. 

Grants strength for today, 

Hope for tomorrow; 

Comfort where we ache, 

Joy where there’s sorrow. 

New blessings He’ll bring, 

As we trust in faith; 

Impossible things, 

In Christ there’s a way. 

May we choose to move, 

With eyes open wide; 

As love, hope and strength, 

To all whom abide. 

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the abundant blessings, provision and grace that You have granted throughout the past year. Thank You for Your unending faithfulness that remains the same, yesterday, today and forever. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed the past to dominate our present, rather than choose praise You for the peace that Your provided and set our sights on what is today and that which is yet to come. Teach us to see the new that You are doing before us. Show us how to love those around us in a way that encourages, blesses and helps others see the new that You are bringing in all that lies ahead. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we praise You for the past, recognize the remarkable gift of today, and anticipate with hope, all that is yet to come. Amen.

 

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

 

See, the former things have taken place, and new things I declare; before they spring into being I announce them to you. – Isaiah 42:9

Hold Hope

Peace and hope are held secure as we come to understand that God and His promises are unchanging and trustworthy, because He alone, is unchanging and trustworthy.  We can rest assured that He will remain the same, yesterday, today and forever.  What He says He will do, will surely be done, for He is not a mere man that changes His mind.

For us, this is a most remarkable gift.  We need not do anything to earn His love, for He loves His created so much, that He willingly laid down His life, so that we would have the option to come to know Him personally.  All that is asked of us, is that we believe and receive that which has already been given.  In exchange, we find hope, which is the anchor for our soul, firm and secure. (Romans 6:19a)

“Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of His purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, He confirmed it with an oath.  God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged.” – (Romans 6:17-18)

A gift’s been given,

spoken through His word;

our promise for peace,

hope that we have heard.

For God is the same,

past, present and post;

faithful, ever true,

Dad, Son, Holy Ghost.

His love never ends,

His promises true;

our Beacon of Hope,

Safe Place to renew.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are faithful and unchanging – true to Your word and steadfast in character.  Thank You that we can come to You and know that what You have promised, You will do, and who You say You are, is true.  Thank You that every good and perfect gift comes from You – our hope, our peace, our rest.  Forgive us for confusing Your character with that of man, that You might change Your mind because we somehow didn’t do enough.  Help us to trust You completely, even when things appear far from the fulfillment.  Thank You that You are always near.  Help us to embrace Your grace so that we may go forth and give as we have been given.  May many come to know You as we live and love as You call us to do.  Let our lives be light and life to those who are without hope.  Be glorified, Lord God.  Amen.

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