God’s New Thing for Us

“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 desert

And streams in the wasteland.”

                      Isaiah 43: 18-19 (NIV)                                                 

Have you ever wondered about what God has in store for you? I have a friend who told me she never liked asking God about her future. Her reason was she might not like what could be there for her. I understand her viewpoint.

               Today’s focus verses speak of God doing a NEW thing for those who love Him. He tells the people of that time and us through Isaiah not to dwell on past hurts. As human beings, we have a tendency to keep past things fresh on our minds. God tells us NOT to do that. I had a friend whose husband-at that time-often wondered why things past could not stay there. One day it became clear to me that he always brought up his past. The things he had done and the attitude he had never really were far from his conscious mind. I feel sorry for those who cannot let go of certain events in their backgrounds.            

               What new thing will God do for His children in 2016? I am not sure but I am excited as I watch and wait for God to perform His deeds.    God asks His audience if they perceive what He is going to do. I believe that His children will know when God performs His deeds but only if those children live close to Him and are watchful.

Happy New Year-2016

              

“I waited patiently for the Lord;

He turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,

Out if the muck and mire;

He sat my feet on a rock

And gave me a firm place to stand.

He put a new song in my mouth,

A hymn of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear

And put their trust in the Lord.”

Psalm 40; 1-3 (NIV)

               Let me be one of the many to wish you a Happy New Year. God has been good to us this past year. Our son moved back to our home state this past spring. Even in the unfortunate difficult times we have had with my falling twice and breaking a rib, the first time, and severely breaking my right ankle, on the second time God was with us.

               Reflecting on my life, I see our focus passage acted out for us. My husband and I have a great deal for which to be thankful. God did lift both of us up from a difficult and, for me, stressful life. King David caused a lot of calamity in his life but God forgave him. I love the imagery David uses here.

              

               David waited patiently: Yes, we have to wait for God to act.

               God turned to him and heard David’s cry.              

               Our Lord lifted David out of the mess in which he found himself. God did not leave David in that quagmire.

               God set him on a firm foundation and allowed David to stand.                      

               He gave David a new song, a hymn of praise and rejoicing. God does this for every child who claims His name. My hope for 2016 is that people will see, fear, and learn to put their trust in Jesus, our Lord.

               Until further notice, Following My King will publish on Tuesday and Thursday. My motive for doing this has to do with my continued recovery from my accident last fall. Thank you for your patience.