A New Thing

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.

Isaiah 43: 19

When we go through struggles whether physical or mental in life, they usually change us in some way. It is normal for us to want to return to life as we knew it before. However, ignoring the change and failing to sit taking inventory of our current season could make us frustrated.  We become so busy trying recoup what we think we lost that we lose sight of what God made new. We forget what he revealed to us during our struggle or time in the wilderness. We overlook the stream trickling down in front of us as we look for something bigger.

Recently, I was talking to a friend about the idea of “bouncing back.” A phrase that is commonly used to imply that someone has returned to “normal” after enduring a hardship. Many times after someone gives birth you will hear them say they are “bouncing back” as they return to their previous routines. Or when someone returns to work after medical leave. It seems to be a positive phrase, that has taken a negative turn. It has us striving to reclaim what once was. Perhaps keeping up with a way of life that is no longer for us. Not accepting the change and chasing a world’s view of our ideal self. Which leaves us feeling further and further behind.

 The way we can “spring forward” is by not taking for granted what happened during our winter season. Let’s be careful not to overlook the work he does in our lives during our time in the valleys. Being careful not to dismiss the pruning we experienced. The soil that was turned, and the seeds that were planted. Instead, spend time in this new season asking him to fix your eyes on the sprouts and the buds so to speak. Taking time to recognize and praise him for the new place he has brought you too. Notice the new desires he has put in your heart. Don’t be afraid to start small, and put your energy in to cultivating what he has truly put in front of you. Whether that is a season of nurturing your family or pouring into a friend or neighbor. Maybe it is starting a new job or breathing new life into an old one.  Is he calling you to take a step of faith? Or maybe he is confirming an answer to a longtime prayer.

 Whatever the case may be, do not put your energy into looking back in longing. Or trying to catch up to what once was. Instead thank God for where he has led you too, looking ahead to where he no doubt has left for you to go. Open your heart to a new thing and let his hope spring up inside of you, propelling you forward. He is making a way in your wilderness, let’s not miss it by struggling in our own strength. Rather take time to sit, and rejoice with him by the stream.