Hold on to His Promises
Do not remember the former things,
nor consider the things of old.
Behold, I will do a new thing;
Now it shall spring forth;
Shall you not know it?
I will even make a road in the wilderness
and rivers in the desert. Isaiah 43:18-19
As the new year is here, some are excited about what a new year could bring, while others are in survival mode. Maybe 2025 was not what you expected; it might have side-swiped you, and a new year brings anxiety.
When we read Isaiah 43, we see that God wanted the Israelites to shift their focus to the new work He was about to do. He reminded them not to dwell on the former things. If Israel stayed caught in the discouragement and seduction of Babylon, they would miss the new thing God was preparing for them: freedom from exile. The journey from Babylon back to Israel required crossing a wilderness path, yet we read that He assured them that they should not fear. He will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. He would create a way for them and protect them in their journey.
We all know that holding on to the past, whether it’s unforgiveness, failure, sin, or discouragement, would keep us from moving forward to the new thing God has in store for us. When we worry about how God’s promises will be fulfilled, He also reminds us that He already sees our path that is ahead. We might not be able to see our path ahead, but that’s ok. Our Heavenly Father has invited us to trust Him with our journey.
Just like the Israelites were seduced by the Babylonians, the world can seduce us too, but just like the Israelites, we have God’s promises for our lives also and God’s word to remind us of His goodness. So, as 2026 is knocking at our door, walk in freedom and leave the burden of 2025 on the other side of that door.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your love and grace. Thank you that we could hold on to your promises without fear. May this year give us a desire to know your word better and to walk in freedom. In your Heavenly Name, Amen
- Juanita Sahakian