Letting Go and Looking Forward

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” —Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)

Depression has been a long companion of mine, an invisible burden that’s weighed on me for as long as I can remember. It isn’t something I can just shake off, and it’s not always easy for others to understand. It’s a constant battle, one that seems to have no clear end, no guaranteed victory. Some days feel like I’m stuck in the past, replaying old wounds, old mistakes, old failures in my mind. It’s easy to get lost in the memories of those dark seasons, believing that they define who I am or will always be a part of my story.

Embracing New Beginnings: A Divine Call to Move Forward

But then, I come across a verse like Isaiah 43:18-19. “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” It’s as though God is speaking directly to me, urging me to let go of what’s behind and to look ahead to what He’s doing right now. It’s easy to get trapped in the past, especially when the weight of depression clouds our vision. We may hold onto memories of past failures, mistakes, or even past pain because it feels familiar. It’s what we’ve known for so long. But God’s word in Isaiah reminds us that he is continually working to do something new. He’s not asking us to forget our experiences altogether, but to let go of the power they have over us. He’s calling us to look up and see that He’s moving, even when we feel stuck.

For me, depression often feels like being trapped in a dark tunnel, with no clear way out. I’ve struggled with the idea that this dark season will never end, that it will always be a part of who I am. But this verse speaks to the hope that God is working during the struggle, even when it feels impossible to see. He’s making a way where there seems to be no way. He’s doing a new thing, whether I see it or not.

Finding Hope and Growth in the Midst of Darkness

God doesn’t promise that the darkness will vanish overnight. But he does promise that he’s doing something new in us, through us, and for us. Depression might make it hard to see the light, but it doesn’t mean the light isn’t coming. Sometimes the “new thing” God is doing is not in the absence of darkness, but in how we grow and heal through it. God is with us in the valleys, even when we can’t see how things are changing.

The past can have a hold on us, especially when it’s filled with memories of pain, regret, or lost hope. But God’s call is clear: we don’t have to stay there. We don’t have to let the past define us. He’s doing a new thing in our lives. It might not be evident right away, but the promise is there. God is at work, bringing renewal, healing, and hope, even in the places where we feel the most broken.

 

Embracing Healing and Restoration Through Faith

If you’re struggling with depression or any form of past hurt, remember that you don’t have to dwell on the pain. God is not asking us to forget our experiences, but to trust that he is doing something new, something that will bring healing and restoration. It’s okay if the road is long and difficult; the promise of a new thing is still there.

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Prayer: Lord, I bring my past and my struggles before you today. I’ve often found myself trapped in old hurts and memories, unable to see beyond the darkness. Please help me to forget the former things, to release the grip of the past, and to trust that you are doing a new thing in my life. Open my eyes to see your work in my present and my future. Even when the way feels unclear, please help me to rest in the hope that you are always at work, bringing healing and transformation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Your Turn: What is one step you can take today to shift your focus from the past and open yourself to the new things God is doing in your life?