Part of my looking forward and making New Year’s Resolutions involves looking backwards. This year, that backward look encompasses a decade.
In my looking back, I saw both a lot of pain and a lot of joy. I see growth that took place through many small steps added together, and I also see mistakes still waiting to be used as motivation for growth.
While I have regrets, I mostly have gratitude for God’s mercy and grace. In this, I realize once again the value in remembering.
“I remember days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the works of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5)
Isaiah takes God’s people through this process of remembering, but he doesn’t end with looking backward. Instead, he uses looking backward as a point of references for saying that God has bigger things in store.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.” (Isaiah 43:18-19)
This truth holds firm still for us today because God’s character never changes. He’s always outdoing himself. It is through this lens I now choose to eagerly anticipate the next decade.
