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?

Isaiah 43:18–19 (NIV)

Once we had a neighbor whose Christmas tree glowed right into April. Although considered crazy then, today, this trend is growing, with red and green shining into spring. Why? Perhaps some feel the holiday passes too quickly. Others find enjoyment using one tree for each holiday.

We do that in life too, don’t we? As we age, changes seem to accelerate, and we long for what’s been. Yet wouldn’t you agree that blessings come with each season? Our verse today reminds us to focus, not on the past, but on the fresh blessings of the present. If we’re always looking back, we may miss the gifts before us. Let’s not allow yesterday’s celebrations to distract us from today’s delights. With God’s help, we can enter each new season with expectation and joy.

Gretchen Huesmann
Pensacola, FL

Dear Lord, though I treasure the memories of the past, help me enjoy today and anticipate Your gifts for tomorrow. Amen.

Reflect: What are you looking forward to? Watch for God’s blessings along the way.

Read: Isaiah 43 and Philippians 3:13–14