Spring Forth
Though much of our time together will focus on conversations around writing, publishing, and business, we will keep faith at our core. Yesterday, on New Year’s Day, it was fitting that the scripture of the day on YouVersion was Isaiah 43:18–19:
Do not call to mind the former things,
Or consider things of the past.
Behold, I am going to do something new,
Now it will spring up;
Will you not be aware of it?
I will even make a roadway in the wilderness,
Rivers in the desert.
Celebrating the new year, by all measures, is about leaving things in the past and looking forward to something different and new. It’s safe to say everyone believes in this concept. But when we look at it from a position of faith according to scripture, it takes on whole new meaning.
While most of us look forward to leaving the past in the past, we are tempted to dwell and ruminate on it. Yet, God has told us “do not call to mind the former things” which is a very clear command. Instead, He tells us to be aware that He is going to do something new, and it will be miraculous if we’re willing to see it.
All too often, I’ve realized I’ve prayed for certain things and expected miracles and blessings that I have received, but never acknowledged. Sometimes, I found myself even unaware or ungrateful — forgetting to praise Him for His mercies and miracles. It’s not that I feel entitled to answered prayers, I think it’s that it doesn’t surprise me that my Heavenly Father is so gracious and generous to me. I certainly need to improve in recognizing and acknowledging His loving answers.
There are those times when God is giving us what we asked for and we can’t see His works right in front of our eyes. When He asks, “Will you not be aware of it?” I feel so convicted that I can say no to that question and recognize it’s the human condition. He tells us he’ll put rivers in the desert and roadways in the wilderness and we may still not realize the blessings.
I’m tired of being in the cycle of the human condition. Asking, waiting for answers, not seeing God’s work before me, and complaining He doesn’t hear me. I’m striving for the supernatural state of being always aware of God’s answers, God’s miracles, and God’s presence. I no longer want to miss the roadways and rivers in my sight.
How do I intend to get out of this blind rut?
I don’t have the definitive answers as to exactly what I know will make me successful, but these are the practices I intend to start and I’ll let you know how it goes. Please join me in this new routine of awareness.
- In my daily planner, I will ask God what He wants me to know about the things I’ve asked Him for. Whatever I’ve prayed about, what does He say about it? As I listen for His answer, I will understand it may come through dreams or people.
- I will make time a few times per day to pray and listen. My goal is to replace the times I would normally pause for a social media break to be influenced by God instead.
- I will review the prayers and answers at the end of each week and ask God what He wants me to do with the information He’s shared with me. I will reflect on the week and write down any signs or messages I’ve received. I will then begin each week reviewing the previous week and repeating these 3 steps every day.
The key in all 3 of these steps is the very important act of listening. I can’t expect God to answer me when I won’t make time to listen to Him. Anyone else pray a lot and then move on with your life and forget to see if God wants to answer you? This has been my standard mode of operation for essentially my entire life. I’ve had occasions when I’ve realized I need to stop and listen, but I’ve never worked toward making it a habit.
Our relationship with God is much like those we have with our friends and family. There’s give and take. It takes two. Since we can’t see God, we sometimes take him for granted a little more than we would of the people we see this side of Heaven. When I’m visiting with a friend, I can share my concerns, my joy, and my struggles and actually see and hear their response. The empathetic facial expressions, the gasps, the giggles, the shared sadness are all right there to signify they hear me and they care about me.
When we pray and we talk to God, we don’t know His reaction. Maybe we even assume the worst about His reaction. Perhaps past church or family experiences lead us to believe that God is looking for fault in our prayers. We’re left wondering if He heard us, if He cares, and if He wants to make things better. Sometimes, we’re simply too afraid to even have hope.
Friends, I want you to know that when you speak to God, you can see Him as that best friend sitting across from you who listens intently, wants the best outcomes for you, and will offer you sound guidance — if you’re willing to listen.
The most important thing we can do is pay attention. God doesn’t always answer us through logical means, like speaking to us. Sometimes He uses signs, people, situations, dreams, and many other ways that He knows is the best way to communicate with us.
As you put last year away into a corner of your mind, replace the former things with great expectation and hope. Renew your faith by being watchful for roadways and the rivers that God will place before you. Be aware. He’s doing something new just for you.
