Isaiah 43:18-19

New International Version

“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.

 For Encouragement

Are you stuck in the past, expecting nothing new in your life—discouraged and feeling abandoned? Wake up to a new reality!

God talks vividly to Israel about their excellent future restoration. The imagery is refreshing and captivating. Look back on her history and see the marvelous things God did to deliver them from Egypt. Relive the extraordinary wonders He performed from the Red Sea, wilderness, until Canaan. Nothing equals them in the history of the nations.

Israel, however, never appreciated. They remained a grumbling nation, complaining in Egypt under slavery and in freedom (Numbers 11:5-6). Yesterday never passed for them. Despite preferring their past to their now, they never truly enjoyed the blessedness of freedom. Defeat and exile defined their history—like an eagle that couldn’t fly. Shameful! Unfortunately, that’s how some of us prefer to live.

The prophet Isaiah, however, delivers a message of hope—a beautiful picture of new things God is doing—uncommon things nobody has ever dreamed about. God says, forget the old things, for I am doing a new thing. He tells Israel not to dwell on the past but on the latest—a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland (Isaiah 43:18-19). This contrast between their past and the new things God is doing should fill them with hope and expectation.

Nothing has changed with God. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. We draw strength from His dealings with Israel—His promises; their manifestation. His new things are also springing up everywhere in our day; we can expect refreshing springs like new opportunities, new relationships, and demonstrations of His mighty power in our ruined situations.

So, hear God through Isaiah’s prophesy to Israel: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” Open your eyes to see His surprises spring up around you to delight your heart and position yourself to receive them.

Watch out, though! You can look and not see (Matthew 13:13). We do not make new wine to put into old wineskin (Mark 2:22). This emphasizes the need for attitudinal changes to experience the new things God is doing in your life. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a source of motivation and inspiration.

The question is: Are you ready for God to do new things? This question should make you pause, reflect, and engage with the possibilities of God’s new things in your life.

Then, live in expectation that God will water your desert for a refreshing life despite your gloomy circumstances (Isaiah 43:19).