Isaya 43 - KBTP & CEVUS06

Have I not commanded you Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the “New Year, New Me” vibe. Social media is buzzing with resolutions, glow-ups, and vision boards. But let’s pause for a second, what if a fresh start isn’t just about what we do but about what God is doing in us?

1. A Promise of Renewal

The Bible is full of stories where God hits the reset button. Think about Noah. After the flood, God gave humanity a second chance. The rainbow became a symbol of His promise to never give up on us. Genesis 9:13 says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This covenant reminds us that no matter how overwhelming life gets, God is always faithful to renew His relationship with us. He’s not just a God of second chances but of endless chances, each wrapped in His love and grace.

2. Grace for the Israelites

The Israelites messed up countless times, yet God’s grace led them into the Promised Land. His faithfulness shows us that no mistake is too big for a fresh start. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in seasons of wandering and waiting, God was their guide and protector. This narrative is a powerful reminder that God’s presence remains constant, even when we lose our way.

3. Becoming a New Creation

Through Jesus, we’re not just given a clean slate, we’re made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse is a reminder that God’s transformation starts within. Being a new creation doesn’t mean life gets easier; it means we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. It’s about leaving behind the labels and lies that once defined us and stepping boldly into the identity God has given us.

4. Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes life feels messy, and it’s hard to move forward. But God’s Word encourages us to release what’s behind. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God’s plans for us are always forward-focused. Letting go doesn’t mean pretending the pain or mistakes never happened. It means trusting God to use even our brokenness for His glory and to lead us into something better.

5. Daily Renewal Through Mercy

God’s mercies aren’t just for the start of the year, they’re new every single morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

6. Bold Steps of Faith

A fresh start often requires bold moves, like stepping out in faith. Joshua 1:9 encourages us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Trust that God’s got your back as you move forward. Taking bold steps can feel scary, but it’s often where we grow the most. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we discover the depth of God’s strength and provision.

7. Trusting in His Plans

As we embrace a new year, we can find peace in knowing that God’s plans are always for our good. Jeremiah 29:11assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise doesn’t mean life will be problem-free, but it does mean that God’s purposes are perfect. Even when things don’t make sense, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good.

How to Make It Practical

Pray About It: Ask God to show you what areas of your life need a reset. Be honest with Him; He can handle it.
Find Your Squad: Surround yourself with people who point you toward Jesus. Life hits different when you’ve got a community that lifts you up.
Set God-Centered Goals: Instead of just focusing on fitness or finances, think about how you can grow spiritually this year. Maybe it’s reading your Bible daily or serving others.

A Fresh Start for Everyone

Whether you’re stepping into this year with excitement or dragging last year’s baggage behind you, remember this: God specializes in fresh starts. He’s not limited by our failures or fears. His love is bigger, His grace is stronger, and His plans are better than anything we could imagine.

So, as you kick off this year, don’t just strive for change, invite God into your journey. He’s ready to write a new chapter in your story. Are you?

Ndzimu unogadzabgwe kugwila bathu bawo

1 Ngono ngwenu yetji nditjo tjinolebgwa ndi Yahwe,

ibo bakakubumba iwe Jakubo,

ibo bakakuthama iwe Iziraela bakati,

“Usitje, ngoti ndakakudzutunula,

ndakakudana nge zina, iwe uwangu.

2 Unowoti upalama vula, ndowobe nawe,

kene utjuluka njizi adzitowokusenga.

Ha upalama moto awutowokupisa,

mithuto yawo ayitowokupisa.

3 Ngoti ndimi Yahwe, Ndzimu uwo,

ndi Wakayengemala we Iziraela, Ntjidzi uwo.

Ndodusa Egipiti se tjidzutunulo tjitjo,

ne Etopiya ne Seba ndobatenganya nawe.

4 Se udika kundili kakale ukudziwa,

kakale ndikuda,

ndodusa bathu mu tjimo tjitjo,

ndokutenganya ne zwitjaba kuti utjile.

5 Usitje, ngoti ndinawe,

ndowodusa bana babo kudwa ku bhezhuba,

ndowobakubunganya

ne kudwa ku golombedzo.

6 Ku bunandzwa ndowoti,

‘Ubazhise.’ Burwa ndowogudwa ati,

Usibabhatilile. Zhisani bakololo bangu kudwa kule,

ne bakololokadzi kudwa ku ndzibo we shango.

7 Mmwe ne mmwe wandakadana nge zina,

wandakabumbila gudzo langu,

wandakabumba kakale athama.”

8 Zhisani bathu ibaba bana mesho basingabone,

bana zebe koga abatohwa.

9 Kubunganyani zwitjaba zose,

bathu ngabakubungane.

Ndiupi mu bali wakaleba ikoku,

katibudza kutji kale zwithu zwe kutanga?

Ngabazhise batendeki babo kutendeka kuti banolebesa,

kuti bamwe bahwe bati, “Ku malebeswa.”

10 Imwi mu batendeki bangu,

kojalo Yahwe ne nlanda wangu wandakashalula,

kuti muzibe mugalemoyo mu ndili ne kuhwisisa kuti ndi iye.

Akuna ndzimu mmwe wakatongo bepo mbeli kwangu,

naiko akuna unowobepo shule kwangu.

11 Imi, ndimi Yahwe,

kuzhe kwangu imi akuna ntjidzi.

12 Ndakakuleba kusathu kukabepo atjidza azibisa

pakabe kusina ndzimu we butaya pakati kwenyu,

kakale mu batendeki bangu,

koleba Yahwe.

13 Ndi Ndzimu ne kuyenda mbeli ndowogala ndili iwo.

Akuna ungasunungula umu maboko angu,

tjandinothama akuna ungatjibgwiliza shule.

Pudzumuka mu Bhabhiloni

14 Yahwe banolebeleka,

ibo Ndzutunuli wenyu, ibo Wakayengemala we Iziraela bakati,

“Ndowotuma ngwa kunobhayana ne Bhabhiloni nge kwenyu,

ndowovuna panda dze mikoba,

Bakhaladiya mima yabo inowobe ye tjililo.

15 Ndimi Yahwe, ndi wenyu Wakayengemala,

mbumbi we Iziraela, mambo wenyu.”

16 Yahwe banolebeleka,

ibo banozhula zila mu gungwa,

banozhula zijana mu vula dzina masimba,

17 ibo banokunda koloyi dze ngwa ne mbizi,

ngwa ne babhayani, banowila pasi,

bakasitongo muka kakale,

kobe kwapela ku bali,

bakanga luvone gwadzimiwa.

Out with the Old, In with God’s New Blessings!

This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

18 “Musialakane zwithu zwe kutanga,

kene kukumbula zwithu zwa ntolo.

19 Bonani, ndabe pejo ngothama tjithu tjitshwa,

ngono tjoshingikala kale,

amutotjibona kene?

Ndowozhula zila mu tjilambanyika

ne njizi mu shango yakawoma.

20 Phuka dze shango dzowondikudza,

phungubgwe ne fukumudzi,

ngoti ndodzipa vula mu tjilambanyika,

ne njizi mu shango yakawoma,

kupa bathu bangu, bashalugwa bangu, vula kungwa.

21 Bathu bandakazwibumbigwa,

kuita kuti bandikudze.

22 “Koga amuzondidana, iwe Jakubo,

koga ndakamunyadza, iwe Iziraela.

23 Amuzondizhisila pkhwizi dze zwibhayilo zwinopisiwa,

kene kuli kundikudza nge zwipo zwenyu.

Andizomulemesela nge zwipo zwe mathunde,

kene kumunyadza nge motsha.

24 Amuzotongo nditengela pkhwe inozipa nge mari,

kene mukandigutsha nge mafuta e zwipo zwenyu.

Koga makandikhiga ntolo we zwibi zwenyu,

makandinyadza nge milandu yenyu.

25 Imi, ndimi tshumula matjinyo enyu nge kwangu,

kakale andingakumbule zwibi zwenyu.

26 Ngati yendeni ku lubazhe,

munondilakidza nlandu wangu.

Bikani ndebo yenyu,

ndizo mutendekegwe kuti makatambunuka.

27 Tate benyu be kutanga bakatjinya,

balebelekeli benyu bakandipandukila.

28 Ndizo wali ndolingila pasi

batungamili be bugalo gwakayengemala,

ngono ndowothama kuti Jakubo akolomodziwe,

Iziraela unowosapugwa.

The Lord Has Rescued His People

1 Descendants of Jacob,

I, the Lord, created you

and formed your nation.

Israel, don't be afraid.

I have rescued you.

I have called you by name;

now you belong to me.

2 When you cross deep rivers,

I will be with you,

and you won't drown.

When you walk through fire,

you won't be burned

or scorched by the flames.

3 I am the Lord, your God,

the Holy One of Israel,

the God who saves you.

I gave up Egypt, Ethiopia,

and the region of Seba

in exchange for you.

4 To me, you are very dear,

and I love you.

That's why I gave up nations

and people to rescue you.

5 Don't be afraid! I am with you.

From both east and west

I will bring you together.

6 I will say to the north

and to the south,

“Free my sons and daughters!

Let them return

from distant lands.

7 They are my people—

I created each of them

to bring honor to me.”

The Lord Alone Is God

The Lord said:

8 Bring my people together.

They have eyes and ears,

but they can't see or hear.

9 Tell everyone of every nation

to gather around.

None of them can honestly say,

“We told you so!”

If someone heard them say this,

then tell us about it now.

10 My people, you are my witnesses

and my chosen servant.

I want you to know me,

to trust me, and understand

that I alone am God.

I have always been God;

there can be no others.

11 I alone am the Lord;

only I can rescue you.

12 I promised to save you,

and I kept my promise.

You are my witnesses

that no other god did this.

I, the Lord, have spoken.

13 I am God now and forever.

No one can snatch you from me

or stand in my way.

The Lord Will Prepare the Way

14 I, the Lord, will rescue you!

I am Israel's holy God,

and this is my promise:

For your sake, I will send

an army against Babylon

to drag its people away,

crying as they go.

15 I am the Lord, your holy God,

Israel's Creator and King.

16 I am the one who cut a path

through the mighty ocean.

17 I sent an army to chase you

with chariots and horses;

now they lie dead,

unable to move.

They are like an oil lamp

with the flame snuffed out.

Forget the Past

The Lord said:

18 Forget what happened long ago!

Don't think about the past.

19 I am creating something new.

There it is! Do you see it?

I have put roads in deserts,

streams in thirsty lands.

20 Every wild animal honors me,

even jackals and owls.

I provide water in deserts—

streams in thirsty lands

for my chosen people.

21 I made them my own nation,

so they would praise me.

22 I, the Lord, said to Israel:

You have become weary of me,

but not from worshiping me.

23 You have not honored me

by sacrificing sheep

or other animals.

And I have not burdened you

with demands for sacrifices

or sweet-smelling incense.

24 You have not brought

delicious spices for me

or given me the best part

of your sacrificed animals.

Instead, you burden me down

with your terrible sins.

25 But I wipe away your sins

because of who I am.

And so, I will forget

the wrongs you have done.

26 Meet me in court!

State your case and prove

that you are right.

27 Your earliest ancestor

and all your leaders

rebelled against me.

28 That's why I don't allow

your priests to serve me;

I let Israel be destroyed

and your people disgraced.