Here we are January 1, 2019. Today starts a new day, a new year, a new vision into what lies ahead. I know we all put a lot into the new on this day. We all have a since of hope and that maybe – just maybe – this may be the best year yet. For some of us, when we look back over our lives we sure hope this is the best year yet.
I was reading in Isaiah 43 this morning. Kind of a random place to pick up the Scripture. But then again, maybe not so random.
“Forget about what’s happened; don’t keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I’m about to do something brand new. It’s bursting out! Don’t you see it? There it is! I’m making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.” (Isaiah 43:18-19, The Message)
I don’t know what your path is looking like as you begin this New Year. I know the path
Walking in the presence of God
I have been on for a little while now has been caught up in the fog with limited visibility. Today, God is telling me to forget all that is weighing me down from the past. Too often, when we look back, our minds go back to the “bad” stuff. Why don’t we go for the good stuff in our memories. Maybe that’s just me.
In Isaiah 43:1, God says, “Do not be afraid, I have redeemed you.” In verse 5, He says, “Do don’t be afraid: I’m with you.”
Walking with God is not as clear as we would like for it to be. But then, maybe, we shouldn’t desire for it to be clear. Walking with God is about trusting him wherever He may lead us. Walking with God is allowing the Holy Spirit total freedom to lead and empower as he desires.
God speaks with us in so many ways. As I’m writing, I decided to grab another translation off of the shelf. It’s a specific Bible that I don’t use very often. It was given to me by FBC, Aztec, NM after my ordination. I opened it up and found a letter from a sweet friend from Harvest Church, Rio Rancho, NM – dated June 2001. It was a beautiful reminder of something God didn’t want me to forget. It was an opportunity to look back by going straight to the good stuff.
I can’t help but think that this reminder is key to the future. (…making a road through the desert.) This reminder is a Sacred Echo of what a few others have been telling me over the past few years. For each, I am very thankful. God is good. Whatever it is that God may be speaking to you on this first day of 2019, remember to be present and stay alert….
“Do not be afraid: I’m with you.” – God
