Isaiah 43:18-19
All Things Together for Good ·
A Message Has Arrived for You
These are God's promises for you today:
"Do not dwell in the past”
"I am doing a new thing"
"I will make a way in the wilderness"
"I will make rivers in the desert"
Do you ever find yourself dwelling in the past?
Perhaps past failures keep replaying in your mind. You might find yourself thinking,"If only I had not done that” or "If only I had made a different choice." Regret and self-blame can keep you dwelling on the past. Sometimes the wounds run so deep that it is hard to believe things can change.
No matter what your past looks like, God speaks hope for your present and future. He says, "Look! I am doing a new thing in your life." God is already at work even if you cannot see it yet. God makes a way where there seems no way. He makes rivers flow in the desert.
So always remember this:
Your past does not define the rest of your story.
God is doing something new in your life.
They are already springing up. Look for them.
Live fully in the new things He has given.
Deep Dive
The Story Behind The Verse: When God Made a Way
Isaiah spoke this promise to the Israelites who had been taken into exile. They had lost everything: their temple, their land, their freedom. For nearly 50 years, they lived as captives in Babylon. Many believed God had forgotten them. Their story seemed over.
But God was preparing something new.
In 539 BC, Cyrus the Great of Persia conquered Babylon. The empire that had seemed invincible fell after less than a century of rule. Cyrus issued a decree allowing the Jews to return home.
The first group returned under Zerubbabel, who served as governor of Judah. They rebuilt the altar and laid the foundation of a new temple. A second group came under Ezra, the priest and scribe, to restore the Law and the worship practices. A third arrived with Nehemiah, the former royal cupbearer who became governor. The community was mobilized to rebuild the city's defenses.
God made a way in the wilderness. He created rivers in the desert.
The people who thought their story was over watched God do something they never imagined possible. The same God who brought Israel home from exile is speaking to you today. He is doing a new thing, and it is already springing up.
What It Means
"Do not remember the former things" (אַל־תִּזְכְּרוּ רִאשֹׁנוֹת / al-tizkeru rishonot)
The Hebrew word zakar means to remember, to keep calling to mind. God is telling His children not to keep the former things before them, not to let them define you. The word rishonot means former things or previous events. God wants his children to not be imprisoned by the past. He wants them to be healed from past failures or old wounds.
"I will do a new thing" (הִנְנִי עֹשֶׂה חֲדָשָׁה / hineni oseh chadashah)
The word hineni is meant to catch people's attention. It means "Look! Pay attention!" God is asking you to shift your focus. The word oseh means doing or creating. The verb tense indicates continuous action. God is in the process of doing it right now. The word chadashah means new or something that has never existed before. He is creating something completely new.
"Now it springs up" (עַתָּה תִצְמָח / attah titzmach)
The word titzmach comes from tsamach, meaning to spring up like a plant breaking through soil. The imagery is of new life pushing up from the ground. The new thing is already taking place. God asks, "Do you not perceive it?" The new thing requires eyes of faith to see.
Claim This Promise
I declare that the words of Isaiah 43:18-19 are true in my life.
- I will no longer dwell in my past.
- God is doing a new thing in my life right now.
- It is already springing up.
- God will make a way through the wilderness.
- God will bring rivers into the desert.
Today's Prayer
God,
Thank You for your word filled with hope today.
I have been dwelling on past failures and old wounds. I have let regret and self-blame hold me back.
Today I choose to move forward. I will not let my old failures define my life. I receive Your promise that You are doing something new in my life.
Open my eyes to see the new thing that is springing up.
When I am in the wilderness, remind me that You are able to make a way. Even in the dessert, you have rivers flowing.
I believe you are starting something new today. And I want to be a part of that. I will walk with You in faith.
In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
Share This Message
Do you know someone who keeps looking back to the past? Someone who believes their best days are behind them?
Share this with them and say, "God is doing something new in your life right now." Your simple act of sharing could help them see the new thing God is already doing.