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. Isaiah 43:18-19

This time of year all sorts of messages compete for your attention: “Turn over a new leaf! Make a resolution to be healthier, stronger, or more organized! This is your time to take charge and do it!” These messages aren’t all bad. Don’t  we all long to be the best version of ourselves? But sadly, we often put our hope in these new things to save us. And ultimately, they prove themselves unable to live up to the task. BUT, there is good news! Despite our failures and false security, there is a beautiful message of hope for the hopeless given to us in these verses from the bible. God knows our failings, but he promises to give his people hope in the hard places, new life springing up in the desert wastelands of our lives. He promises to make a way through our wilderness!

Ask God to begin working in the hard areas of your life to make a way and give you hope in the coming year.

Want to go deeper? Learn more about Isaiah 43:18-19.