Monday, December 29, 2025
Going Into Another New Year…
But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:1-3a
Judah was in captivity in Babylon. They would be exiled to Babylon for 70 years because of their idolatrous behavior and sinful alliances. During their time in captivity God sent many prophets to remind them of God’s unfailing promises and never ending love, even in the middle of the consequences of their sin. The passage above is from the prophet Isaiah to the Israelites reminding them they belong to God; of all the ways God has been faithful in the past and urging them to trust him for the future. The same words Isaiah spoke to those in captivity are applicable to us today.
We belong to God.
As his children, we are redeemed and called by name by God. We are his and nothing changes that – not even exile. Regardless of our doubt or disobedience. Because we are his – we don’t have to fear, but remember we are redeemed and have been called by name. This will be true forever and when the world whispers we are not enough we can be reminded that we belong to God. Isaiah reminded the Israelites that they belonged to God and that they were redeemed and called by him – and exile did not change that.
God has been faithful in the past.
Isaiah reminded the Israelites that God had been faithful to them. When we remember the things God has done for us we see his faithfulness. We see the good things he has done, even during exile and living through consequences of our sin and behavior – and during the suffering and difficult situations we didn’t cause. Our memory of his faithfulness strengthens our faith and helps us push through.
God will be faithful in the future.
God has proven his faithfulness in the past – so we know we can have faith now and for the future. When we know the faithfulness of God we know we can trust him for the days to come. We can surrender our fears and doubts and step faithfully into every day, trusting him and his good and perfect will for our lives. Sin, disobedience, or lack of faith will keep us from trusting God’s plans for our lives.
As you face a new year, reflect on God’s faithfulness in your life. What things has he done? How has he provided? Remember and commit to focusing on the faithfulness of God in the past and trust his faithfulness for the future. Isaiah 43:19 says Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert. Trust God in the new thing that he is doing in your life. Surrender your doubts and unbelief and trust his faithfulness for 2026 and every year after. Above all, remember that you belong to God. You have been redeemed and called by name. You belong to God.
