As one year closes and another begins, many of us find ourselves reflecting—on victories and losses, prayers answered and prayers still waiting, seasons that stretched us and moments that strengthened us. The turning of the calendar naturally stirs a longing for something new. New beginnings. New direction. New hope.
Scripture reminds us that this desire for renewal is not accidental—it is woven into the heart of God.
“And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ And He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’”(Revelation 21:5)
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”(Isaiah 43:19)
These verses are not just poetic promises; they are anchors for our souls as we step into a new year.
God Is the Author of the New
Revelation 21 gives us a glimpse into God’s eternal plan—complete restoration, renewal, and redemption. When God declares, “I am making all things new,” He is not offering a temporary fix or a surface-level change. He is speaking of transformation from the inside out.
This matters as we enter a new year. Our hope is not rooted in fresh resolutions, improved habits, or better circumstances alone. Our hope is rooted in a God who specializes in renewal.
If last year left you weary, discouraged, or uncertain, hear this clearly: God has not finished His work in you. What feels broken is not beyond repair. What feels delayed is not denied. The One on the throne is still at work, and His words are “trustworthy and true.”
Letting Go of the Former Things
Isaiah 43 is written to a people who knew disappointment, exile, and loss. Before God speaks of the new thing, He reminds them not to cling to the past:
“Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old.” (Isaiah 43:18)
This doesn’t mean we forget what God has done before—but it does mean we cannot live looking backward while expecting to move forward. Sometimes the greatest obstacle to what God wants to do next is our attachment to what once was.
As a new year begins, God invites us to release:
Old failures that still define us
Old wounds that still shape our decisions
Old fears that keep us from obedience
Letting go is an act of faith. It says, “God, I trust You with what was, and I trust You with what will be.”
Perceiving the New Thing
Isaiah 43:19 asks a powerful question: “Do you not perceive it?”
The new thing God is doing often begins quietly—like a seed beneath the soil. It may not look dramatic at first. It may not come the way we expected. That’s why perception matters.
As we enter a new year, direction comes from spiritual awareness, not just planning. We perceive what God is doing when we:
Spend time in His Word
Create space for prayer and listening
Stay sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit
God promises to make a way in the wilderness—places that feel confusing, dry, or directionless. He promises rivers in the desert—life where none should exist. This is not dependent on our strength, but on His faithfulness.
Hope for the Road Ahead
The new year may bring unknowns, but it does not bring uncertainty for God. He is already present in your tomorrow.
Revelation 21 reminds us that renewal is God’s nature. Isaiah 43 reminds us that He is active right now. Together, these verses give us confidence to move forward with hope—not because we know what lies ahead, but because we know who goes before us.
If you’re asking God for direction this year, start here:
Trust that He is making all things new
Watch for the new thing He is already beginning
Walk forward in obedience, even when the path isn’t fully clear
A Prayer for the New Year
Lord, as we step into this new year, we trust You with what lies ahead. Help us release the former things and open our eyes to perceive the new work You are doing. Make a way where we see none. Bring life to places that feel dry and hopeless. We anchor our faith in Your promise that You are making all things new. Lead us, renew us, and use us for Your glory. Amen.
As the year begins, take heart. This is not just another chapter—it is a continuation of God’s redemptive story in your life. And the God who promised renewal is faithful to finish what He has started.
Behold—He is making all things new.
Contest Corner
We know that many people get back to the gym for the new year. To help with those sore muscles, we are giving away a massage gun this month. Go to the home page of our website and scroll down to the contest box to enter!
