As we celebrate the New Year, Isaiah 43:16-21 is a powerful reminder to trust God for the new thing that He’ll bring into our lives.
The start of a new year always brings mixed emotions. Some of us feel ready with fresh planners, new goals, and a sense of new excitement. Others feel weary and are still carrying the weight of last year’s trials.
No matter where you find yourself, one truth remains: God is already doing something new.
Isaiah 43:19 reminds us, “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.”
That promise wasn’t just for Israel; it’s for us too. When life feels stuck or uncertain, we can move forward by trusting God for the new thing thatHe’s preparing in our lives.
Look Back to Remember God’s Power
Before God told His people about the new thing He was doing, He reminded them of the old one:
“Thus says the Lord, who makes a way in the sea, a path in the mighty waters…” (Isaiah 43:16)
He was pointing them to glance back to the Red Sea, which is their defining moment of deliverance. God parted the waters and made a way when the Israelites were trapped between the sea and Pharaoh’s army. So, why start there? Because remembering God’s faithfulness builds confidence for what comes next.
When you look back over your own life, can you see the places He’s carried you? Moments when the odds were against you, but somehow grace got you through? Those memories are not meant to haunt you, but anchor you in God’s power.
Yesterday’s enemy can’t stop tomorrow’s promise.
Our struggles may look different than Pharaoh’s army, but the truth is the same: nothing can stand against our Deliverer. When fear whispers that you’ll never move forward, remember who split the sea. If He made a way then, He can make a way now.
Look Forward to Receive God’s Renewal
things; do not dwell on the past.” Wait, didn’t He just tell them to remember? Which is it? Well, it’s both. We’re called to remember God’s power but not get stuck rehearsing our pain.
Israel kept replaying their regrets, and it kept them stuck. So God wanted to look forward to the fresh thing He was already doing.
He said, “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth…” The word “springs” means to grow or break through, like new life pushing up through hard ground. That’s what renewal looks like. It’s hope sprouting in places that once felt barren. Maybe your “new thing” this year is emotional healing after loss, peace after chaos, or courage after fear. Maybe it’s learning to rest, forgive, or take a next step of faith. Whatever it is, it’s not about striving, it’s about surrender.
Trusting God for the new thing means believing that even when you can’t see what’s next, He’s already working beneath the surface. As 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” Through Jesus, renewal isn’t just possible, it’s promised.
Look Up to Declare God’s Praise
Isaiah 43:20–21 says, “The people whom I formed for Myself will declare My praise.” Why does God tie praise to new beginnings? Because worship reorders our perspective. It takes our eyes off what’s broken and fixes them on who holds the world in His hands. When we look up and praise in the middle of the wilderness, we remind our hearts that He’s still worthy no matter what.
Sometimes the first step forward isn’t about doing more, it’s about believing more. It’s choosing to worship before the breakthrough and thank Him before the outcome. When you’re trusting God for the new thing, praise becomes your declaration:
“God, I may not understand what You’re doing, but I trust who You are.”
Psalm 16:11 promises, “In Your presence there is fullness of joy.” Even in the dry seasons, His living water refreshes our souls and fill us with hope again.
Click here, if you’re needing extra inspiration for joy in the struggles, I have another article for you to read.
3 Steps To Walk Forward This Year
Isaiah 43 gives us a roadmap for every new season:
- Look Back – Remember God’s power in the past.
- Look Forward – Receive His renewal for the future.
- Look Up – Declare His praise in the present.
Wherever this year takes you, through the wilderness, across the waters, or into uncharted places… God is faithful. He is already doing something new. So, friend, lift your eyes. Let go of what’s behind, take His hand, and step into what’s ahead.
Keep trusting God for the new thing because He’s already making a way in the wilderness.
With New Year Cheer,
💛Dee
I’d love to hear where do you sense God doing something new in your life right now? Take a moment to write it down and pray, “Lord, help me trust You for this new thing.”
#TrustingGod #NewThing #Isaiah43 #WalkForward #NewYear
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