Bible study topic new dawn text isaiah 43 18 22
What a beautiful topic! Let's dive into Isaiah 43:18-22 and explore the theme of "New Dawn" together.
Isaiah 43:18-22
" 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 children of pride the grasshoppers. This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel—‘For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you are not known by name. You are my servant whom I uphold, one whom I have chosen and whom I will put my Spirit on; you will restore streets that are deserted, those long abandoned. You will say to those who were not, “You are my people,” and they will say, “You are our God.”’"
New Dawn: A Time of Renewal
In these verses, God is calling His people to look away from the past and focus on the new things He is doing. The phrase "forget the former things" is a powerful reminder that our past experiences, though significant, should not define us. God is saying, "I am doing a new thing!" - a fresh start, a new beginning, a chance to start anew.
Wilderness and Wasteland
The image of the wilderness and wasteland is a powerful metaphor for the desolate and barren places in our lives. But God is saying, "I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." This is a promise that even in the most difficult and hopeless situations, God is working to bring life and renewal.
Restoration and Redemption
The passage also speaks of restoration and redemption. God is calling His people to restore the streets that are deserted, to bring life back to the places that have been abandoned. This is a beautiful picture of God's desire to redeem and restore all that is broken and damaged.
Application
As we reflect on this passage, we can apply these truths to our own lives:
- Let go of the past: God is calling us to forget the former things and focus on the new things He is doing. This doesn't mean we ignore our past experiences, but rather that we don't let them define us.
- Look for God's new work: God is always doing something new and fresh. Look for the ways He is working in your life, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties.
- Trust in God's restoration: God is a God of restoration and redemption. Trust that He is working to bring life and renewal to all areas of your life.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for the promise of a new dawn. Help me to let go of the past and focus on the new things you are doing in my life. Give me eyes to see the ways you are working in my life, even in the midst of challenges and difficulties. Help me to trust in your restoration and redemption, and to look forward to the new things you have in store for me. Amen.