Exchanging the Old for the New
God’s all about exchanging the old for the new, giving second chances, and restoring what was lost or broken. He wants to fill us with hope.
The word “new” has appeared on my radar several times in the past week:
“I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, ‘Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever. And the one sitting on the throne said, ‘Look, I am making everything new!’” (Revelation 21:3-5)
“For I am about to do a brand-new thing. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness for my people to come home. I will create rivers for them in the desert!” (Isaiah 43:19)
“…Those who become Christians become new They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun. All this newness of life is from God, who brought us back to himself through what Christ did.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
A sense of anticipation
As 2017 peeks around the corner, the repetition of the word “new” creates in me a sense of anticipation. It fills me with hope in knowing that the old, regrettable parts of 2016—bad habits, hurt feelings, disappointments, failures—can neither rule nor ruin my future.
They’re done. Gone. The old is past.
God’s all about exchanging the old for the new, giving second chances, and restoring what was lost or broken. He wants to fill us with hope and to show us that He’s able to do more in and through us than we could ever dream (Ephesians 3:20). The enemy, on the other hand, wants to keep us stuck in ruts of unforgiveness, self-pity, anger, fear, and destructive behaviors. Who will we believe and allow access to our minds and hearts—the enemy of our souls, or the One who came to bring us life?
Tomorrow night we’ll bid 2016 goodbye
Worldwide, it’s been a very difficult year—one that’s going down in history. On an individual basis, it’s been a tough year for many as well. If that’s your situation, then please join me in thanking God for His promises to make everything new and in trusting Him to fulfill those promises.
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” (Lamentations 3:22,23)
Know you are loved,
Grace
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
Thank you so much for this encouragement! After a painful, difficult and at times, confusing 2016, I believe in my deepest heart that God is faithful. I believe that God IS doing a new thing. He has been peeling back the layers to heal me and to go forward as the Woman of God that He means for me to be. That loving, painful Refiner’s Fire. I praise Him!
Hi Elisabeth. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts. I pray that 2017 will be a year filled with courage, peace, and joy as you move forward. God is indeed faithful! May you experience Him in new and amazing ways as a result of your 2016 journey. Know you are loved.