Have you ever found yourself stuck in the past, holding on to memories of better days or replaying mistakes and hurts over and over like a broken record? If so, you’re not alone. Life can often feel like a loop, where we’re either romanticizing what was or regretting what could have been. But what if there’s a better way forward? That’s exactly what the Bible verse from Isaiah 43:18-19 speaks to:
“Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth. Do you not perceive it?”
Let’s break this down into simple, everyday terms.
Why Let Go of the Past?
The first part of this message is about one thing: letting go. It tells us not to dwell on the “former things” — whether that’s the good memories we cling to or the bad experiences we can’t seem to forget.
Holding on to the “Good Old Days”: Sometimes, we get so caught up in nostalgia that we imagine the past as far better than it really was. It’s like looking at an old photo and thinking, “Life was so perfect back then.” But was it really? Often, we overlook the struggles and complexities of those times, choosing to remember only the highlights.
Clinging to Mistakes and Pain: On the flip side, some of us carry around guilt, shame, or resentment like it’s a badge of honor. We replay moments of failure or hurt, wishing we could have done things differently or blaming others for the pain they caused us. This cycle of anger or regret can be exhausting and keeps us from living fully in the present.
The lesson here is clear: We can’t move forward if we’re always looking backward. Letting go isn’t about ignoring the past but about refusing to let it define us.
What Does “Doing a New Thing” Mean?
The second part of this passage is all about hope and renewal. It’s God’s way of saying, “I’m not done with you yet. Something amazing is on its way.”
Seeing Possibility in Hardship: Imagine being in a desert, a place so dry and barren that it feels like nothing good could ever grow there. Now, imagine water suddenly flowing through that desert, creating rivers where there was once only dust. This is the image Isaiah gives us — a powerful reminder that even in the toughest, most hopeless situations, new life can emerge.
God’s Promise of Renewal: The idea of “doing a new thing” is central to the message of faith. It’s about second chances, fresh starts, and the belief that the future holds something better. It’s a reminder that no matter how broken or tired we feel, we are never beyond repair. God can and will create something beautiful out of our struggles, if we’re willing to let Him.
How Do We Apply This to Our Lives?
So, what does all of this mean for you and me? Here are some simple takeaways:
· Stop Reliving the Past: Whether it’s good memories or bad ones, don’t let them monopolize your energy. Appreciate the lessons, but don’t get stuck there.
· Forgive and Release: Letting go often means forgiving — not just others, but yourself too. It’s about setting down the baggage you’ve been carrying and choosing freedom over resentment.
· Look for the New Thing: Be open to change and renewal. Life has a way of surprising us, but we have to be paying attention to see it. Shift your focus from “what was” to “what could be.”
A Message for the Weary, the Hopeless, and the Broken
This message isn’t for everyone. It’s specifically for those who feel blind, weary, or lost. If you feel stuck in a rut, numb from life’s challenges, or weighed down by despair, then this passage is speaking directly to you. It’s a reminder that there’s hope, even when you can’t see it. It’s a promise that there’s a way forward, even when the path seems impossible.
Conclusion
“Do not remember the former things…” — it’s a call to let go of what’s behind us and to trust in the possibility of renewal. Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes it’s hard to believe that better days are ahead. But Isaiah’s words invite us to imagine a future where rivers flow through deserts and new paths are carved through wildernesses. It’s an invitation to hope, to trust, and to step boldly into the new things waiting just around the corner.
So, are you ready to embrace the new?
Minister A Francine Green
August 2025
afrancinegreen.com 