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 43:19
Newness. God loves to make things right — fresh starts in our lives He initiates to show how much He wants us to have, and live our best.
This favorite verse in Isaiah talks about deliverance God is bringing. And He also brings newness even now, in our lives today, if we let Him.
In His Word, we see many references to the character of God, and that He wants people to live untangled by sin resulting from living without a relationship with Him – not a religion – not something to check off “I did this good thing this week by going to church or reading my Bible” but a true relationship where we grow to truly know Him.
One where it is known personally to us, not only because we observed it in the lives of others, but where we know, for ourselves, that God will come through and do everything He has promised and describes Himself as being, and as doing.
- Walk – Grow to walk with the Lord this year by spending time in His Word and talking with Him in prayer, where you gain more of an understanding that He is unfailingly good to you.
- Unwavering Character – Grow to know Him not just as you see Him and think God to be, but know His character, what makes Him faithful and powerful to work in and through you and you see His signature on every detail of your life.
Look at these other scriptures where in God’s Word, a request is made for renewal. These words are for us today, just a few of countless throughout the Bible, and God answers us when we ask for renewal, for a wise heart and mind, for steadfast resolve to make the best decisions and handle adversity His way:
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Psalm 51:10
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. Ezekiel 36:26
And look at God’s promise to see us through to, and resulting in the best. He knows we go through things that make no sense to us. But He calls us to trust Him and to remember He is good, He is faithful, no matter what might seem to be falling apart in front of our eyes and in our thoughts.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11
God doesn’t want us walking about discouraged, constantly looking at the ground to observe where all the cracks are. He wants us walking about with our heads up, where we can see other people, notice them and their needs, bless and be blessed, love and receive love.
He wants us to remember He is God no matter what, He is bigger than anything we face, and nothing can throw Him off. And that He loves us and is working things out for our best.
Go into and through this New Year encouraged.
God sees.
And God knows.
He already has the solutions and wants us to trust Him through every detail – and thank Him that He already has it all taken care of – because that is just Who God is – and what He is all about for us.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31
