Happy New Year!

 

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. The wild beasts will honor me, the jackals and the ostriches, for I give water in the wilderness, rivers in the desert, to give drink to my chosen people, the people whom I formed for myself that they might declare my praise. (Isaiah 43:18-21 ESV).

 

Happy New Year! One of the great things about the New Year following Christmas is that most of us begin the year with some new things. For many children they begin with new toys. As we get older the toys seem to be replaced with clothing, but it is still new. Of course we start the year with a new calendar, new bills, and new resolutions for the days ahead. This picture attached is last year’s celebration from Fort Worth, Texas, which is only a few miles from us. I must confess I do not go to see the show in person any longer. I find it much better on television. I don’t worry about driving in the crowds, parking and walking to get a good spot, or the weather!

 

With all the new things and new excitement of a new year, we should not forget some of the old things. I’ve chosen a reading from the Old Testament to emphasize how the promise of God is for a “new thing” (v. 18). He wants to do new things in the lives of His children. He desires to teach us new truths about Himself, provide new opportunities for ministering to others, take us to higher levels of worship and deeper levels of trust. But too often we’re like the Israelites when they were traveling in the wilderness. God promised to provide for them by raining down bread from heaven six days a week. He instructed them to gather only enough manna for each day, except for the day before the Sabbath when they were allowed to store up two days’ worth. When some of the people disobeyed and tried to hoard extra manna, it became rotten and full of worms by the next morning.

 

We’re like that sometimes. God wants to do new, fresh things in our lives, but often we try to hold on to yesterday’s stale manna. We don’t want to let go of what is comfortable and familiar. It may be some old way of thinking, a certain way of doing things, or our usual area of service to Him. We may miss new and exciting things God has planned for us if we don’t fully trust His guidance, even when He seems to be leading us down unfamiliar paths. As you celebrate the New Year, let go of anything that has gone stale or rotten. Then begin to live each day expecting new, fresh things for the One who promises, “I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5)!