Scripture Reading
Isaiah 43:18-19
"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."
Reflection
God's instruction to "forget the former things" is not a command to ignore history but to stop being imprisoned by it. The miracle ahead is greater than the miracles behind. Advent is the season of the new thing: a virgin conceives, a star rises, shepherds hear angels. God is always making streams in deserts we have given up on.
Prayer for Today
My Lord, I bring my burdens to You, knowing You will take care of me. You will not permit me to slip and fall. I trust You to save me out of this hopeless predicament. O God, have mercy on me, for I feel like I'm being hounded all day long. But I will put my trust in You. I praise You for Your promises of deliverance. I trust in You, so why should I be afraid? Thank You for carrying my burdens. Amen.
Amen.