A New Thing

Date: September 1, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

B - Bible Verse: "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing 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." - Isaiah 43:18-19 (ESV)

L - Listen for God's Word and Pray: Lord, open my heart and ears to your message through these verses. Help me let go of past regrets and focus on the new things you're doing in my life. Teach me to perceive the new ways you're making in the midst of challenges and difficulties.

E - Explore the History and Meaning: Isaiah, a prophet, spoke these words to the Israelites during a time of exile. He encouraged them to shift their focus from the past, filled with captivity and struggles, to the future that God was preparing for them. These verses remind us that God is always at work, bringing about fresh beginnings and transformations. He doesn't want us to be held back by our past mistakes or circumstances. Instead, He invites us to embrace His new plans and purposes.

S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:

"Remember not the former things": Letting go of the past's burdens and regrets.

"Behold, I am doing a new thing": God's continuous work of renewal and transformation.

"I will make a way in the wilderness": God's promise to guide us through challenging times.

"Rivers in the desert": God's ability to provide abundance even in the most barren places.

S - Summarize and Share: 

These verses remind us to shift our focus away from the past, from those moments that weigh us down and keep us from moving forward. God is inviting us to let go of regrets, failures, and missed opportunities. Why? Because He's about to do something new, something that springs forth with life and purpose!

Imagine standing at the edge of a beautiful landscape. Behind you lies a desert of memories and experiences that may have felt dry and challenging. But as you turn around, there's a fresh, vibrant path unfolding before you. God promises to make a way in the wilderness, where it seemed impossible. He's crafting rivers in the desert, where there was once barrenness. Can you picture it?

For me, these verses resonate deeply. There have been times when I carried the weight of past mistakes and missed chances, and I know how it feels to be held back by them. But here's the beautiful truth: God doesn't want us to be stuck in the past. He's the God of second chances, of new beginnings. He's whispering to us, "I have plans to prosper you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11).

As I wear my cross necklace each day, it's a tangible reminder that I'm not defined by my past. It's a symbol of God's promise to make all things new.  Let's lean into God's promise of renewal. Let's allow ourselves to be embraced by His grace, to step onto that fresh path He's carving for us.

Make a conscious decision to release the burdens of yesterday and fix our gaze on the exciting journey God has prepared for us. The desert may have been our backdrop, but God is transforming it into a lush oasis of new beginnings. Let's keep our hearts open, our spirits eager, and our eyes fixed on the wonderful adventure ahead.

 4 Bible Cross References:

Isaiah 65:17 - "For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former things shall not be remembered or come into mind."

Philippians 3:13-14 - "But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Revelation 21:5 - "And he who was seated on the throne said, 'Behold, I am making all things new.' Also he said, 'Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.'"

Ezekiel 36:26 - "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh."