Isaiah 43: 18-21 (NIV) 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. The wild animals honor me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen. the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.
We find ourselves in the midst of excruciating sorrow, isolation, and divided leadership. Yet, I can’t help but to feel the hope that is rising in my spirit – a sense that a shift is in the works. Do you perceive it? There is even a sprinkling of good news to nurture my hope. Headlines of food surplus being redistributed to the hungry, previously smog-ridden cities now with clear skylines, and reported crime down, to name a few.
I don’t know how long the globe will suffer. I don’t know what the new thing(s) will look like. What I believe is business as usual, life before COVID-19, is no longer the standard. Many things that seemed to matter before just aren’t significant anymore. The plans and strategies that brought about my previous “success” won’t have as much impact on my new priorities. The time-suckers and societal standards loss their relevance.
I praise God for your presence and your heart. As you partner with God in the new things that are evolving that will refresh dry places and thirsty inhabitants, may you experience God’s mercy, grace, and steadfast love.
