God’s Newness in Every Season

Shai Johnson

“Behold, I make all things new.”—Revelation 21:5 NKJV

I’ve often heard that God makes all things new, and in my heart, I believe it. But there are times when life feels anything but new. When you’re in the midst of pain, illness, or even depression, it’s hard to imagine how anything could ever truly be made new. When your body feels broken and your heart heavy, the idea of all things being made new feels distant, maybe even impossible.

God's Promise of Renewal Amidst Life's Challenges

But in Revelation 21:5, we receive a promise from God Himself: “Behold, I make all things new.” It’s a promise that resonates deeply within, but sometimes I find myself wondering, “How can God make all things new when life feels stuck, when my struggles seem unending, when I’m still waiting for healing, for change, for renewal?”

What I’ve realized is that this verse isn’t just about a distant future hope; it’s also about the present moment. God isn’t waiting for a far-off day to renew our lives. He is actively working, bringing restoration and renewal to our brokenness, pain, and past. It might not always look the way we expect, but God’s promise to make all things new is already happening.

Finding Renewal Through Life's Struggles

When I look back at the seasons of my life marked by pain and struggle, I can see God’s hand gently at work, making me new. I may not have experienced instant healing, but I’ve experienced transformation. There have been moments when I thought I couldn’t go on, and yet I found new strength. Times when I felt utterly broken, and yet God brought unexpected peace into my heart. The newness isn’t always about changing our circumstances; it’s about changing us from within.

I’m learning that God’s “newness” is not just about the external changes we long for. Sometimes it’s about the healing in our hearts that allows us to see the world through a new lens. Sometimes, it’s about the new perspective He gives us on our pain, helping us to understand that even in our struggle, He is working all things for our good. Sometimes, it’s about learning to trust Him in a way that we never could have before, because our faith is being refined through the fire.

Hope in Uncertainty Through Faith

I don’t have all the answers to the pain I’ve experienced or the struggles I’ve gone through. I don’t know when or how things will improve, but I do know this: God’s promise to make all things new is just as true today as it has ever been. He is actively working to restore us, renew our hearts, and lead us into a future full of hope.

If you’re feeling stuck, broken, or unsure how anything could ever be made new, remember that God is working behind the scenes. His newness doesn’t always come in the form of immediate answers or fixes, but it manifests through His faithful presence, His unwavering love, and the quiet restoration He brings, even when we can’t see it. Trust that He is making all things new—sometimes slowly, sometimes unexpectedly, but always with purpose.

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Prayer: Lord, I come to You with my brokenness, struggles, and fears. I hold onto the promise that You are making all things new, even when I don’t see it. Help me trust that You are at work in my life, restoring, renewing, and healing in ways I don’t always understand. Give me eyes to see the newness You are bringing into my heart and circumstances, and the faith to believe that You are always working for my good. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Your turn: What is one area of your life where you can invite God to make something new, even if it feels difficult or uncertain?