Something New

I took this picture standing on the top of Masada looking over the surrounding desert in Israel.

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Forget the things that happened in the past. 

Do not keep on thinking about them. 

¹⁹ I am about to do something new. 

It is beginning to happen even now. 

Don’t you see it coming? 

I am going to make a way for you to go through the desert. 

I will make streams of water in the dry and empty land.” 

Who doesn’t love something new? It’s fresh, cheerful and gives us a lightness in our steps. We feel a little more perky. Our step is lighter. Our outlook is hopeful. We soak up the compliments.

I have expended a tremendous amount of energy over the years collecting new things. New clothes, new house, new car and yes, admittedly, new travel experiences.

It’s not that these things are wrong. Our conversation today is more about collecting “things” that are new for the inside of us. A new hope. A new bounce in our steps. A new perspective. A new willingness to trust again. A new outlook. 

God created us with a piece of Himself inside. Our soul or our spirit. I believe this is the place we live our lives trying to satisfy. The more we fill it with the worldly, the emptier we feel. Only when we fill it with more God – allowing Him to make us new – will we feel a satisfaction in that place. A deep connection fed by “more of You, Lord”.

Looking back briefly at my life, I gather so many insights into how I have arrived at today – this Janet – who in many ways no longer resembles the old Janet. 

Isn’t that what becoming new is all about? More connection?

Change. 

And I marvel at the experience of becoming new. 

I have walked through the desert – where my only goal was to survive. I have learned there to be grateful for each and every experience I encounter because each one is a building block to becoming the amazing me God created me to be. 

I have watched God make “the way” for me. The one He designed only for me. I have come upon the streams He has provided as the “new thing” is unfolding in me. A new discovery of His presence. A new perspective of the depth of His love for me. 

Inside.

Letting go of many of the material “things” I have worked so hard at accumulating. It is new for me. And I stand amazed at how my willingness to let go is unfolding in my life. 

It’s too new for me to be able to put clearly into words, but those words will come. And you know me – I will share.

I appreciate each of you for following and encouraging me in so many ways. 

This community is one of the treasures God has provided me to encourage and support my journey. 

And for that – I thank each of you for traveling with me. 

“Lord, You know our hearts. You know the parts of us that need to be made new. Show us Lord. Show us the way through the desert and the streams You have prepared for us. Give us the courage to let go of the old and embrace the new. We love You, Lord. Amen.”

Your traveling buddy,

Janet