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 steams in the wasteland. Isaiah 43:18-19
Today I sit with my coffee and my Jesus and I am tempted to go there — to the former things. My mind leans towards sitting in puddles of regret, pouting over wastelands and parched in the places of 2015 wilderness. My flesh tends to focus on my lack and deficit – in marriage and motherhood and friendship and stewardship. Mercy is easily extended from me to others, but for myself, I am stingy with grace and mercy.
But the Lord is clear to the people of Israel — “Do not dwell on the past.”
Why?
Because He is doing something new! He is Israel’s Redeemer! The Holy One. Israel’s Creator!
And He is creating a new thing in your 2016. He has gone before us all. He is doing a new thing.
As I prepare my heart for my “way in the wilderness” I know that I am to spend much of my January with great intention in prayer. Specifically for my boys.
Even more specifically for my oldest. My tween. My sweet first-born.
This past week I spent in Memphis with my husband’s family. My sister-in-law (a.k.a one of the Godliest people on the planet) inspired me to pick up a long forgotten crochet needle. A craft I had not entertained since the boys were small and baby blankets were in high demand.
She was crocheting a blanket for her oldest child. And with every stitch her thoughts were on him. Praying over details the Lord brought to her mind.
So as unoriginal as I am, I had her drive me to Hobby Lobby and pick up a spool of yarn. Knowing that I need this focus for my own boys, as well.
So away I stitch, praying over my oldest boy first, then moving on to the next.
I want to invite you to join me. Not in crocheting a blanket (although you are welcome to if the mood strikes you) but in 31 days of praying over our children.
Each day I will sit with needle in hand, praying specific Scripture every morning in January. And I will post that Scripture here on A Cup of Joe.
I pray you’ll pour a cup and pop over for a prayer. I would love your company. And as always, invite a friend.
God is doing a new thing in 2016. I perceive it for my family. It is springing up — one stitch at a time.
Lord help me to forget the former thing and not dwell on the past. I see you are doing a new thing! I see it springing up; I perceive it! Thank you for making a way in all my wilderness and steams in the wasteland of my heart. I anticipate Your goodness in 2016. I love you Lord, Amen!
Becky Crenshaw 
Becky, I love this idea. With nine grandchildren, I am often asked how I keep track of them and remember details about them like their birthdays, how old they are, etc. I respond by saying, “That’s easy…I pray for them by name every single day…and their parents….”
This is one of the passages in Scripture that I have to read often as I have a tendency to dwell on mistakes and hurts. It reminds me to forgive because God has a better way in front of me! I will be joining you in prayer. Mine are getting old enough to begin scattering and instead of worry I will choose to pray.