This is what the Lord says—
he who made a way through the sea,
a path through the mighty waters,
who drew out the chariots and horses,
the army and reinforcements together,
and they lay there, never to rise again,
extinguished, snuffed out like a wick:
“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 43:16–19
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Today is January 1st, the first day of a new year.
There’s something about a fresh start that feels exciting, like a blank page ready to be written on. It’s a time when we pause, reflect on the past, and look forward to what lies ahead.
For many, this day will be filled with resolutions and promises of change. And I think that is wonderful. God has brought you into a new year with 365 days of opportunity.
And in the book of Isaiah, the prophet provides us with an encouraging word today: God is always at work in your life, making all things new.
In Isaiah 43, God speaks through the prophet to His people, Israel, pointing them to the incredible ways He delivered them in the past—parting the Red Sea and conquering their enemies.
But he doesn’t end there, he also turns their attention forward. He tells us, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”
What an invitation! God reminds us of His goodness in the past, but doesn’t leave us there. He calls us to release our grip on past failures, regrets, and even successes that might hold us back. Like Israel, we might have a past riddled with sin and failure, but God intervenes to redeem us for a life filled with hope, purpose, and joy.
This is a hope-filled message for an important day: God is not done with you yet.
I don’t know who specifically needs to hear this today, but no matter what happened in 2024—or even over the past several years—God has you here for a reason. He is doing something new in your life. He will make a way through the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. Can you see it?
This doesn’t mean the road ahead will always be easy or free of challenges. After all, deserts and wildernesses are difficult places to navigate. But God specializes in bringing life to barren places. Where you see a wasteland, God sees potential. Where you see despair, God sees the opportunity to create streams of joy, peace, and purpose.
Today is January 1st. A new beginning. God is doing a new thing. Let’s trust Him and follow Him to fully experience all He has in store for us.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of a new year and for the reminder that You are always at work in my life. Help me to let go of the past and trust You for my future. Amen.