A New Thing

Happy New Year!!

If you are reading this, I am going to assume that you are entering into 2021 ready for something fresh and new; I know I am. 2020 was a year that took many by surprise, from tragic losses, feelings of hopelessness, division and uncertainty. It felt as if we were beginning to become conditioned to look for and anticipate chaos in everyday life. 

Although 2020 was one for the books I believe 2021 will be a year of joy and restoration. All that was lost can be replaced with better. That sounds extremely optimistic right? Like how do I know that loss and heartbreak can somehow result in something good. 

“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.

The wild animals honor me,the jackals and the owls,

because I provide water in the wilderness 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 43:19-21 NIV

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See I am doing a new thing!"

It's almost as if when I needed it most God would lead me to this scripture in my leisurely reading or it would pop into my mind in tough times. God reminded me that although I was surrounded by wastelands and wilderness there was and there is still hope. He reassured me that provision would always be made for me because I belong to Him. 

Everything that we encounter whether it is good, bad or just down right ugly, God is doing a NEW THING in our lives. We can let go of the past and walk confidently and expectantly into the future. No matter what happened in 2020, you can trust in God's Word and know for certain that He is doing a NEW THING. Your best days are ahead of you and what you are leaving behind is nothing in comparison to the NEW THING that God is going to do in this year.

I know that I probably sound like the world's most optimistic person and if I'm honest, nothing is more irritating to me than someone's optimism for me when I'm feeling worn and tired of all of the challenges but I came to the realization that hope, faith and expectation are all choices. I can choose to look forward to the NEW THING God is doing in hope, faith and expectation or I can be doubtful of it all.

Make the choice to truly let go of and forget the past and look for the NEW THING that God is going to do in this year. Together, you and me, let's believe God for the NEW THINGS that He will do for us in this year!