Thursday, January 1, 2026
This is what the Lord says — who makes a way in the sea, and a path through raging water, who brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the mighty one together (they lie down, they do not rise again; they are extinguished, put out like a wick) — “Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 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. Isaiah 43:16-19
Day One –
The first day of a new year. A clean slate. A new page. A do-over. A reset. It is exciting to think about all the things that might lay ahead this year. The beginning of a new year should start by looking back at what the past year held and moving forward – surrendering to God and his will for the new year.
In Isaiah 43 the prophet Isaiah speaks to the Israelites while they are in captivity reminding them that they are chosen by God, even while in captivity. He also reminds them of all the ways God has been faithful in the past and urging them to trust him for the future. We know that promise is for us as well and as we step into 2026 let us remember what God has done and trust him for the future.
Read Isaiah 43:1-7. Either on your own or with your family/friends, list all the ways that God has been faithful to you in the past. Now, create a list of big prayer requests for 2026. Once you do, post them somewhere where you will see them every day and ask God to be faithful to lead you according to His will in the new year.
Isaiah tells them to remember what God has done but don’t dwell in the past – look ahead to the new thing that God is doing. Do not remember the past events; pay no attention to things of old. 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. vs 18-19 God is always doing something new – in our lives and in our hearts, as well as in the world around us. He is always working to transform us and lead us on the path he sets before us.
If God is going to be able to do a new thing in our heart this year, we have some work to do as well. Sow righteousness for yourselves and reap faithful love; break up your unplowed ground. It is time to seek the Lord until he comes and sends righteousness on you like the rain. Hosea 10:12 CSB In this passage the Israelites were in trouble. They had ignored God’s warnings to tear down their altars. They had misplaced their affections and wandered away from their relationship with the Lord. Their hearts were hardened. In order for God to work in their lives again, they had to break up their fallow, unplowed ground in their hearts - to repent, soften their hard hearts, and prepare to for God to do a new thing in their hearts.
It is day one. Do you need to break up the fallow ground in your heart so that God can accomplish in his good and perfect will for this year? Let’s all prepare our hearts – repent, soften our hearts, and get ready for more transformation through our relationship with him for this new year that lies ahead. Thank him for all he has done, give him your big prayer requests and step expectantly into 2026.
