Scripture Study: Isaiah 43:18-19

Writer: Isaiah

Context: The prophet is writing to God’s people during their captivity in Babylon. The book includes many prophecies including several “messianic” prophecies about the coming Savior, Jesus – their (and our) ultimate deliverer.

Connect the Dots: As soon as the calendar turned January 1, I was inundated with announcements and posts from family and friends about how they were going to change something or go after something this year. I rejoiced with them (I love goals and going after it) but secretly, I didn’t want to see them just yet. My kids didn’t go back to school until January 9th and I couldn’t think about any new year aspirations until that glorious day. When my sweet babes are home for a three week winter break, I’m doing all I can to keep everyone alive and the house from being trashed. So new things. . .fresh starts. . .yeah, they didn’t come until Monday, January 9th at 8:15am immediately following the close of those beautiful yellow school bus doors.

And that first week when I finally had space to think and plan and dream about the new year, I felt God drawing me to this verse. “Forget the former things. . .I am doing something new,” he called to me.

So I started asking him to reveal the newness he had for me this year. A new opportunity. . .new dream. . .favor on the new ministry he birthed in my heart last year? And although I believe he will bring newness to my work and calling, he’s been focusing my eyes to see beyond the physical. Now, I’m seekng him for new strength, new strategy, self-discipline that forms new and healthy habits. A new heart for my husband and children. Fresh vision for our home.

God wants to realign our hearts, just like he did to the people of Israel through the prophet Isaiah’s words. If God’s people had stayed focused on their captivity, they would have never experienced their release. As God calls us up and out into a new year and new territory, we may find ourselves looking more to our limitations than to his great power. We see all the ways we’ve fallen short in the past and wonder if we can be effective in business, ministry, motherhood, marriage. . .But he says, “Forget about all that. I’m doing something new now.” Because when we focus on our shortcomings we get stuck in the same cycle of powerlessness and discouragement. With eyes fixed behind us on what has been, we cannot see the way forward.

Maybe, like me, your new year is off to a slow start. Maybe you are discouraged because you didn’t come rushing out of the gate with clear vision and lofty aspirations. Are your eyes fixed behind you or before you? Do you believe he wants to do something new in you, through you this year? Instead of creating a list of goals, decide to keep just one resolution – believe him for something new.

Ask Yourself:

1. What new thing is God wanting to do in my life this year?
2. How can I look at things differently to see (perceive) the newness he wants to bring?
3. What truth (or scripture) can I declare today to help my heart trust him for something new?

Pray:

Dear God, Thank you that you never leave us where we are. Thank you for the promise of something new. Help me to fix my eyes forward in anticipation of all that is to come. Show me what new things you are wanting to do in and through me this year. Holy Spirit help me to see things differently, through your eternal lens. More powerful than any goal I could aspire to on my own is my willingness to join in the new work you are doing. Thank you for your steady guidance and constant love. Amen.

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This song has had a deep impact on me this past year in seeking God for his will and his ways. I pray it would help you see the power that comes with listening for only his voice.

Your Turn. . .

How did Isaiah 43:18-19 speak to your heart as you read it today?

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