Isaiah_43
Scripture
Isaiah 43:18-19
18 “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
Observation-What does it say?
“In this chapter the Lord comforts his people. By his divine foresight he perceives that there are great and varied trials a little way ahead, and therefore He prepares them for the ordeal. They are to go through rushing waters and flaming fires; and He kindly bids them not to be afraid.” (Spurgeon’s Verse Expositions-Isaiah 43-Studylight.org)
Understanding-What does it mean?
God is in control.
The Lord brings comfort unlike no other. He was the only TRUE source of comfort for Israel and continues to be the only true source of comfort during this time.
The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18
Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4
Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant. Psalm 119:76
“Shout for joy, you heavens; rejoice, you earth; burst into song, you mountains! For the Lord comforts his people and will have compassion on his afflicted ones.” Isaiah 49:13 NIV
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. Psalm 147:3
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV
Life Application
Continue to meditate on God’s Word and His promises/character during this time.
It’s easy for us to dwell on the past and wish for things to go back to the way it used to be. However, God is doing a NEW thing and just like He encouraged Israel, we must forget the former things and not dwell on the past. He is doing something new!
For me personally, Covid-19 has shaken my world and changed everything for me from my daily schedule, to my Sabbath, to my work, to homeschooling, to ministry, to my meal planning, shopping days, date nights, hugs, time with my extended family, etc. It’s like everything in my life that I felt was in order got completely shaken up! BUT, God is creating something beautiful with this new normal of mine by forcing me to let go of how things used to be. After 5 weeks of grieving and completely letting go of how things used to be, I’m starting to see it even more clearly now!
I do not want to dismiss the struggle that many of us are still facing right now (like not being with each other in person), but if you take time to meditate on His Word and meditate on the positives that have come about in the last 5 weeks, it’s amazing what God will reveal to you.
Praying for you and I miss you all dearly!
-Michelle Gaddi