The Beauty of New Beginnings
When you reflect on previous years, do you wish you could have some do-overs on conversations, relationships, and financial decisions? If so, you’re not alone.
Isaiah 43
Today's Scripture Passage
A Few Thoughts to Consider
Do you struggle with guilt over poor decisions you’ve made?
When you reflect on previous years, do you wish you could have some do-overs on conversations, relationships, and financial decisions? If so, you’re not alone.
Isaiah 43 was written during a turbulent time in Israel’s history. It was likely written during the Babylonian exile when many Israelites were forcibly removed from their homeland and taken to Babylon. And amid this chaos, the Prophet Isaiah shares these powerful words:
1 Now this is what the Lord says—
the one who created you, Jacob,
and the one who formed you, Israel—
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you,
and the rivers will not overwhelm you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be scorched,
and the flame will not burn you.
“I have called you by your name; you are mine.” What a beautifully worded reminder. The reason God’s people were in Babylon was because of a series of sinful choices they had made. Now, they’re living under the weight of their terrible decisions. And it’s into this terrible weight that God says,
18 “Do not remember the past events;
pay no attention to things of old.
19 Look, I am about to do something new;
even now it is coming. Do you not see it?
Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness,
rivers in the desert.
This “new thing” is a nod to the context of this passage. In Isaiah 42, we read of a “suffering servant” who would be Israel’s promised Messiah. Thus, this new work is God’s declaration to Israel that everything will be different with the coming of Christ.
A Meditation to PRAY
Praise | Heavenly Father, I praise you for being the One who created and formed me. You have called me by name, and I belong to you. You are a God who does new things, making ways in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. I worship you for your faithfulness, your redeeming love, and your unwavering presence in my life.
Release | As I reflect on past mistakes and poor decisions, I feel the weight of regret. But I trust in your promise of new beginnings. Help me to let go of the fear that you are still angry with me and embrace the fresh start you offer through Christ.
Ask | I call out to you today, seeking your help and guidance. You desire that I turn to you, and so I bring before you all my concerns and fears. I ask for wisdom in my decisions, for healing in my relationships, and for peace in the areas of my life that feel chaotic. Strengthen me to trust in your plan and to see the new things you are doing, even in the midst of the wilderness seasons.
Yield | Lord, just as Jesus prayed, “Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done,” I yield to your will today. I surrender my desires and plans, choosing instead to trust in your perfect timing and purpose. Help me to live not under a cloud of shame but as one of your redeemed, with my head held high, confident in the new work you are doing in my life.
A Challenge to Act Like Christ
If you’ve wasted years in the past, you’ll be tempted to lament this loss and live under a cloud of shame this coming year. Instead of acting like one of God’s redeemed, you will hang your head. But today, God wants you to live in relation to your status.
If you have accepted Christ as your savior and are living in right relationship with him, you can have confidence he is working a new beginning in you. If you haven’t, there is no better time than today to start.
At the start of this new year, live out of this reality with confidence today. Trust that the same God who started a new beginning for others can start a new beginning for you.
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