Missing Out
“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.”
- Isaiah 43:18-19
If there was ever a promise from God’s eternal word to lead us through this present valley, remove distractions, and jar us from a spiritual slumber, it is the above words from the prophet Isaiah. This word has been a fixture for generation to generation of God’s people. This promise needs to be set before us as a daily reminder to look to the new things God is doing.
In this pandemic season we do not always remember all God has done and cannot always see what He is presently doing. I have found myself sidetracked from the wonderful things He has placed before me. This lesson came one late night as I was wide awake. As I was struggling to fall back to sleep, I took a moment to look out the window at the night sky. In the stillness of that moment, I saw the majesty of God’s handiwork. Almost immediately my thoughts were captivated by the wonder of God’s matchless creative work on display. Psalm 19:1 tells us, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” The glimpse of the stars and the moon not only were full of beauty, but I felt a fresh sense of the FAITHFULNESS of God’s goodness to me and plan for me.
In Psalm 89:15 we read, “Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence.” As we continue to navigate this season, I believe that the Holy Spirit is wanting us to look beyond our limitations to the beauty that is right before us. Let us not be so easily distracted by current events that we miss personalized and powerful God moments that are right before us and designed just for us:
Here are some suggestions on how to not miss what God is doing:
As a parent, our kids will be home more because of remote learning. Are you taking advantage of spending time and making memories with them?
As a neighbor, those who live nearby may be longing to having someone to talk to. Are you looking for opportunities to check-in with those around you?
For those with jobs, perhaps you are working from home, working less hours, receiving less pay, or having to adjust to new responsibilities. Are you giving thanks for daily provision?
In your everyday life, there are less places to go and activities to do. Are you carving out time to spend in prayer, worship, and reading God’s Word?
As a part of the Shepherd’s House Church family, we are not yet able to meet on Sunday mornings in-person. Are you connecting with us at the Sunday 5 pm outdoor service and/or prioritizing the call to pray with others on our Tuesday Zoom prayer meetings? Or is there another way you have found to stay connected?
Thank You, Jesus, for Your peace and provision in this season. You are doing a new thing in us, through us and for us. We thank You for all you have done, that we remember and have forgotten. We thank You for all You are doing that we can see and all that we cannot. We thank You for the good things, the redemptive work You have set in motion in the days ahead. In Your Name and for Your glory. Amen!!