By Andrew Williams
Isaiah 43:18: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 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.” (New Living Translation).
Good morning fellow disciples.
Let us find freedom and hope in the liberating words of Isaiah 43:18. This isn’t a simple dismissal of our history; it’s a powerful call to embrace God’s restorative power and step into the future He has prepared for us, free from the weight of past hurts and regrets.
Before we delve into the verse, let’s define deliverance in this context. Deliverance from the past isn’t simply forgetting painful memories; it’s a profound spiritual and emotional transformation, a release from the grip of past hurts, regrets, and failures that hinder our present joy and future potential. It’s a transition from dwelling on what was to embracing what can be, from a life consumed by negativity to one characterized by hope, peace, and forward momentum. It’s a healing of the heart and mind, a restoration of wholeness, and a renewed capacity for joy and growth. It’s freedom to live fully in the present, embracing God’s promises for the future.
The verse begins with a direct command: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” This isn’t about suppressing painful memories or pretending they didn’t happen; it’s about releasing the emotional grip they have on our hearts and minds. It’s about choosing to let go of the resentment, bitterness, and regret that can poison our present and hinder our future. It’s a conscious decision to relinquish the power the past holds over us.
But the verse doesn’t end with a mere command to forget; it offers a powerful promise: “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.” God is not bound by our past; He is constantly at work, creating new possibilities and opportunities for growth and renewal. He is making a way where there seems to be no way, bringing forth life and abundance even in the most barren of landscapes.
Empowerment from the Verse: This verse empowers us to step into the future with hope and confidence, knowing that God is constantly at work in our lives, creating new beginnings and opportunities for growth. It’s a call to let go of the past, to embrace God’s restorative power, and to step into the future He has prepared for us.
Your Task: Today, I challenge you to actively release the weight of your past. Identify specific hurts, regrets, or failures that are hindering your present joy. Bring these to God in prayer, seeking His forgiveness and His healing touch. Then, consciously choose to focus on the present and the future, trusting in His promises for your life.
Prayer: Father God, we come before You acknowledging the weight of our past. Help us to release the grip of past hurts, regrets, and failures. Empower us to embrace the new thing You are doing in our lives, trusting in Your power to bring forth life and abundance. Fill us with hope for the future, and guide us in stepping boldly into the path You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
