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“Don’t remember the prior things; don’t ponder ancient history. Look! I’m doing a new thing; now it sprouts up; don’t you recognize it? I’m making a way in the desert, paths in the wilderness.” (Isaiah 43:18–19, CEB) 

We are currently living in the strange, quiet week between Christmas and New Year's Day. It is a time when we eat leftovers, lose track of what day of the week it is, and feel a little bit stuck. We are not quite done with the old year, but we haven't quite started the new one. It is the "In-Between." 

During this week, it is tempting to look back at the last 12 months and focus on everything that went wrong. We replay our mistakes. We worry about the goals we didn't reach. We carry the heavy luggage of 2025 right up to the doorstep of 2026. 

But the prophet Isaiah gives us a command from God that is perfect for this exact moment: "Don't remember the prior things." 

God isn't asking us to erase our memories. He is telling us not to live in the past. He knows that if we are staring backward at our failures, we will miss the miracle happening right in front of us. 

God says, "Look! I’m doing a new thing." 

He doesn't say He will do it someday. He says He is doing it now. Even in the "desert" of a difficult year, He is making a way. Even in the "wilderness" of your confusion, He is clearing a path. 

As you stand on the threshold of a New Year, you have a choice. You can drag the guilt, the "what-ifs," and the disappointments of this year across the line with you. Or, you can close the door gently on 2025. You can thank God for getting you through it, leave the failures at His feet, and turn around to face the new thing He is already doing. 

 

Reflection: What is one specific regret or disappointment from this past year that you need to intentionally leave behind so you can see the "new thing" God is doing? 

Prayer: God of New Beginnings, thank You for carrying me through this past year. I confess that I am holding onto the weight of [past failure, regret, old hurt, etc.]. I choose to let it go today. Help me to stop looking back so I can see the new path You are making for me. Amen. 

Do you want to start the New Year with a fresh perspective? Let’s grab coffee and talk about what God has next for you. Text Pastor Vic at 509-919-1897 to set up a time to chat.