Happy New Year!
On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:
On Jan. 1st, I updated my facebook status to read:
“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?" Is. 43:18-19
Seemed like the perfect verse to usher in the new year along with Paul’s words from Phil 3:13-14 “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.
Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!
Seems like starting a new year gives us opportunity to do a lot of forgetting.
Yet I also recall verses that tell me to do just the opposite – remember!
Repeatedly in Scripture the Lord urges His people to remember – His covenants with them, what He has done for them (and us), what they (and we) had been, how they (and we) angered God, how He forgave.
In fact, Isaiah himself who wrote “forget the former things” also wrote:
“Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me.” Isaiah 46:9
So what’s a girl to do?
Forget or remember??
Well - a little of both.
Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.
What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other. The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.
Well - a little of both.
Alas, I find myself remembering things that have little value, hurtful things, foolish things, things that should be long forgotten. These are the things that Isaiah says to forget – “do not dwell in the past.” In Paul’s description of the race of life, these things are weights that drag us down and keep us from pressing on toward the goal.
What we are to dwell on, to remember, is the God that is like no other. The One who redeemed us when we were unworthy, the One who sustained us when we couldn’t go on, the One who grants us peace beyond understanding, the One who helps us to love the unlovable and who loves us unconditionally, the One who made us and REmade us.
So in 2016, what will you remember? And what will you forget?
New Year - new news!!! My website is all new! Please visit me at susanpanzica.com. To continue receiving these blogposts, visit the Eternity Cafe page and subscribe. Thank you so much for your support and encouragement over the years. I pray you will enjoy the new site and future posts for years to come. Let's talk! I welcome all comments and feedback. 
3 comments:
Great post...beautiful new site. I am still teasing out my New Year. Blessings!!
Hi Susan: Happy New Year. Our son was here for a few hours today. The weather is to turn nasty overnight, so he decided to make his trip a day-trip. His birthday was this past Thursday. In September, on the 20th, I took a nasty fall that broke my right ankle in 4 places and dislocated it. I spent three months in a rehabilitation center/nursing home receiving therapy. I got to come home on Dec. 22. I am beginning at-home therapy this week. Actually, I had OT yesterday. PT to begin this week.
I like that scripture in Isaiah - I ran across it one day years ago when it was much needed. Appreciate the reminder and insight. So thankful for all He has done for us! :)
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