When You Feel Lost God’s Promises Will Guide You Isaiah 43:18-19 Devotional

In this Isaiah 43:18-19 Devotional, we’ll discover how God’s promises bring hope, renewal, and direction when we feel lost. Life can be uncertain, and sometimes, we don’t know where to turn. But even in the wilderness, God makes a way. Through this passage, we’ll explore how to let go of the past, trust God’s perfect timing, and see His hand guiding us forward. Let’s uncover the meaning of Isaiah 43:18-19 and find encouragement in God’s promise to do something new in your life.

Feeling Lost? You’re Not Alone

Have you ever felt lost? I’m not talking about the I’m not a Christian kind of lost, but rather a feeling of floundering and not knowing what direction life is taking you. I’ve been there, and I know what it feels like to be listless and longing for some direction. Maybe you have a vision of where you want to go, or maybe you’re looking for a little bit of inspiration. Either way, our feelings of being lost can’t stop God from getting us where He wants us to be.

Recently, I felt like I knew the direction I wanted my life to take, I just couldn’t see the path forward to get there. Even though I could see it clearly in my head, I couldn’t figure out the steps to make it happen. It made me feel hopeless, thinking that I would never get to that place. I needed some major encouragement! So, I turned to God’s Word and this verse from the book of Isaiah jumped out at me. God was so good to show me His great promises within it, and I want to share it with you too! So, let’s read it together and find out exactly what Isaiah 43 means in our lives today.

What is the Meaning of Isaiah 43:18-19?

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

The prophet Isaiah spoke these words to the people of God when they were feeling hopeless and uncertain about the future. They had been through so much, including exile, hardship, and disappointment, but God wanted them to know that He wasn’t finished with them yet. He had a new plan, a fresh start, and a way forward that they couldn’t even imagine.

And the best part? That same promise is for us today! No matter where we’ve been or how lost we feel, God is always working behind the scenes, clearing a path and making a way. Let’s look at this verse and see how it speaks to our lives right now.

Do not remember the former things,
Nor consider the things of old…

It’s okay for us to let go of the past. All of the failures and heartbreaks that we’ve experienced over the years can really bring us down. I fall into this trap a lot. I think about all of the things I’ve done wrong or failed at and I let it keep me from trying again. But God is saying to let it go and move forward.

Letting go of the past isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary if we want to step into the new thing God has for us. If we hold on too tightly to what was, we’ll miss the blessings He’s giving us today us. As God’s people this verse reminds us that our past doesn’t define our future. No matter what mistakes we’ve made, God’s mercy is bigger, and His plans are still unfolding. So, let go of the past events that are weighing you down and move forward with confidence in God’s goodness.

Behold, I will do a new thing…

When we let go of the past, then God can do something new in our lives. He has a new plan just around the next corner for us. We can move forward knowing that God is in control and is about to make that new plan happen.

Sometimes, it’s hard to believe that anything good can come after a hard time, but God’s promise of a new beginning is greater than the tough times. Even when things feel uncertain, you can trust that God’s work in your life is never on pause—He’s always moving, always preparing something greater. The new thing God is doing may not look the way we expect, but it will always lead us closer to His purpose. He is opening new paths, making a way where there wasn’t one before, and guiding you step by step into the future He has planned.

Now it shall spring forth…

This verse makes me think of a very charming town close to us here in Arkansas. Eureka Springs is only about forty- five minutes away and we love to visit there. It has some great antique shops and beautiful Victorian homes. But it was originally built so that people could bathe in the natural springs that flow up from the ground there. Nothing can stop these springs from flowing. They are a natural force that just happens. That’s the kind of force God is promising us. It will happen because He has made it so. Whatever it is that God has promised you, it will happen in His perfect timing. It will spring forth and flow because God’s plan is unstoppable and unshakable. Even when we don’t see immediate results, we can trust that His plans are already in motion, bringing everything together in ways we never expected.

I will even make a road in the wilderness…

Have you ever noticed it’s much easier to follow the game trails when you’re hiking or camping? The tall weeds have already been knocked down, the thorns have been pushed to the side and the trails wind around the trees instead of into them. This is what God promises to do for us. He has already gone before us and blazed the trail, making it so much easier for us to follow His path.

But sometimes, the way God guides us through the wilderness isn’t how we expect, but we can be sure He’s always leading us toward something better. What seems like an impossible situation is just another opportunity for God to prepare the way and show His faithfulness. The Israelites wandered for years before stepping into their own land, but the only True God never abandoned them, instead, He walked with them, guiding every step. When we face uncertainty, we can trust that He is carving out a new way, opening doors we never could have found on our own. Even when the road ahead looks rough, God’s path is always the best one.

And rivers in the desert…

I remember years ago, I was traveling with my dad through the Mohave Desert on our way to California. It was so hot that the car’s tires started to melt! I can’t even imagine what it would have been like if we had been walking instead of driving, especially without water. This is why God has promised to give us a river in the desert. When we lose hope and feel like we’ve lost our way, God provides rest and restoration along the way. Then, once we’re refreshed we can continue the journey.

God always provides in hard times, even when everything around us feels barren and hopeless. Life has a way of making us feel like we’re stranded on dry land, but He’s the One who gives us renewal and strength. Sometimes, His provision looks like a quiet moment of peace, a friend’s encouragement, or an unexpected answer to prayer. Other times, He calls us to step out in faith, trusting that He will lead us through deep water without letting us drown. No matter what season we’re in, His presence is our source of refreshment.

Trusting God’s Perfect Timing

Waiting on God isn’t always easy, especially when the way things are going doesn’t match what we had in mind. But throughout the New Testament, we see how perfectly God’s timing unfolds, it’s never too early, never too late. The coming of Jesus Christ into the world at the ideal time, and the way He waited for the right moment to begin His ministry, show us that God’s plans are always worth trusting. Galatians 4:4 says, But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son… reminding us that God’s timing is always perfect. When we let go of our own timelines and lean into His perfect plan, we can rest knowing that He’s working all things together for our good.

God is Always at Work, Even When We Can’t See It

Even when it feels like nothing is happening, our Heavenly Father is always working behind the scenes. Just like a seed planted in the ground, we may not see the growth right away, but in His perfect timing, He brings new life to what once seemed impossible. Philippians 1:6 reminds us, being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. No matter how lost we feel, we can trust that our Precious Lord Jesus is leading us forward, shaping our journey with His loving hands.

Seeing God’s Hand in Your Journey

No matter where life takes us, we’re never on our own—God’s presence goes with us, guiding us every step of the way. Even when we can’t see what’s ahead, the Holy Spirit is working behind the scenes, bringing peace and direction when we need it most. Isaiah 41:13 says, For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’ Just like in Isaiah 43:18-19, where God promises to make a road in the wilderness, this verse reminds us that His hand is always leading us forward, even when the path seems unclear.

Holding Fast to God’s Promises

When we feel lost or don’t know which way to turn, we can hold on to the greatness of God, knowing He will never leave us wandering. His promises are unshakable, and through Christ Jesus, we have the strength to keep moving forward, even when we can’t see what’s ahead. 2 Corinthians 1:20 reminds us, For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us, reassuring us that when God makes a promise, He always fulfills it.

God is Ready to Do Something New in Your Life!

In this Isaiah 43:18-19 Devotional, we’ve seen how God’s promises bring hope, renewal, and direction when we feel lost. I pray this verse from Isaiah will encourage you the way that it has me. Just as God brought Israel’s deliverance from Babylonian captivity, He’s still in the business of making a way where there seems to be none. The new things God has planned for you are already unfolding, you just have to trust Him to lead the way.

Through Jesus’ name, we have the ultimate reminder that God is always doing something new, offering us fresh mercy and a renewed purpose. The old things that once held you back don’t have to define your future, because God is calling you into something greater. The path may not always be clear, but you can stand firm in the faith, knowing He’s guiding you every step of the way. God is ready to do something new—are you ready to follow Him?