“Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do 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. The wild animals will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches; for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself so that they might declare my praise.” Isaiah 43:19- 21

The prophet Isaiah brings a message from God to his people who are suffering in exile. It is a message of hope. There is a better future now breaking forth. Yes, things have been hard, mistakes were made, and the people are suffering the consequences of their actions and the actions of others that have impacted all the people. God says, “let it go.” Do not remember those former things. They poison the soul. They keep us from looking forward and seeing the new opportunity and new blessings because they keep us anchored in past. God says, “let it go, lift up your heads and see the new thing before you.”

As we enter this new year, do reflect on what is past, give thanks and make your confession, but then let go of memories that do not bring light and joy to your life. Look to the present moment for the new thing God is doing and with anticipation of blessing, look for what good thing God is bringing into your life.

We likely all have our wilderness and desert experiences, times like in the wilderness and desert when circumstances were hard and our resources sparse. Times when we and others were not our best selves. Learn from those, but remember that you are not meant to stay in the wilderness. The Lord has a made a way forward. That means you should take the way out, not stay there. The way out is to forget the former things and look for the new thing. Some may need more help with this than others. The former things can be very difficult for some and your prayers for them are a help.

A friend recently said to me that “You do not have a choice but to go through this. The choice you do have is how you will do it.” His name is not Isaiah, but he also is saying to look for the new thing, to remain a person of hope. I will carry that with me into this new year. I will look for the new thing. I will offer praise to the God of our salvation.

Grace and peace be yours in this new year,

Bill+