Do not remember the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. ~ Isaiah 43:18-19

I’ve been driving long enough to know that it’s not a good idea to fix my focus on the rearview mirror when I’m going forward. And I know the mirrors in my car sometimes deceive me. In fact, the side mirror has a warning imprinted on it that reads, “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear.” I’ve made the mistake of trying to change lanes when all appeared clear in the rearview mirror, only to hear a warning honk from a car hovering in my blind spot.

So when I’m driving, I try to watch where I’m going rather than focus on what’s behind.

But in life? How many times have I caught myself looking back, when God is trying to move me forward? Fears and regrets that have their homes in my history sneak into the present and freeze me in my tracks. 

What if? What about? Remember when?

All questions I’ve allowed to halt my progress because of rearview living. 

As I read the passage above from Isaiah, my attention stops at the question ~ “shall you not know it?” 

God has a new thing to do in my life. It is poised and ready to spring forth. But will my memories of the former things, my consideration of the things of old keep me from knowing and experiencing it? And what wilderness is He clearing for a road to new adventures? What rivers of living water is He ready to create in my deserts of disappointment? 

Unless I can put away the former things and cease my rearview living, I may never know. 

Dear Lord,
The past is past, but it continues to invade my present. Please redirect my focus to the path in front of me, the one You are clearing. Draw me to new rivers in the barren places of my life so I may find refreshment and sustenance for today and be equipped for each new tomorrow.