Welcoming in the New Year

 

[The Lord Said] “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.” (Isaiah 43:18–19 ESV).

 

Happy New Year! I hope your new year is beginning as grand as you could possibly hope. However, I am very aware that often new beginnings bring greater anxiety simply because of the unknown. Often our past clouds our hope for the future. It is far easier to expect more of the same, rather than to hope in the future. The good news is that God’s promise to us is in the “new thing” He is doing.

 

I caution you to read that last sentence carefully. This “new thing” God is doing is not a finished work. It has begun. In fact, that is the at the heart of the Christmas celebration, though God’s work was revealed long before that. Even in the beginning when Adam and Eve sinned and brought death into creation, God had begun the process of redemption. It should not be surprising that He asks, “… do you not perceive it?” It is easy not to understand God’s work. Even the prophet, Habakkuk, had difficulty. Read his words:

 

The oracle that Habakkuk the prophet saw. “O LORD, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity, and why do you idly look at wrong? Destruction and violence are before me; strife and contention arise. So the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; so justice goes forth perverted.” [the Lord answered] “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded. For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.” (Habakkuk 1:1–5 ESV).

 

Habakkuk begins with a complaint. He is distraught that it seems God has been slow to answer his cries for justice and the wicked seem to have free rein in his world. Finally, he says, “justice goes forth perverted” (v. 4). I can imagine the Lord with a gentle smile on his face as He answers the prophet’s outburst. Let me paraphrase: “Open your eyes. Then you will be amazed and awestruck at what is happening. Trust me. Even if I were to tell you all of what I am doing, you wouldn’t be able to understand it.” It is advice we should take to heart.

 

God never needs to explain His purpose in our lives. He has already promised to work all of it for our great good. He simply asks us to trust Him. So, as you welcome in this new year, don’t focus on what was, rather look forward to what will be! It will be awesome and perfect for us! Trust Him… He’s got this!