The Old and New Work Together

Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Isaiah 46:9 (KJV)

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein,… Jeremiah 6:16 (KJV)

We’re told in these verses to remember the former things; what God has done for us. He’s telling us to get back to where we once were with God, asking for the old paths where you once walked with God and walked in His ways.

Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Isaiah 43:18 (KJV)

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, Philippians 3:13 (KJV)

We see that Scripture tells us to forget what lies behind- those things that would hold us back and keep us defeated. We shouldn’t dwell on past failures. Instead, we should remember our successes with God. Focusing on failure can destroy confidence and hope, but when we meditate on past victories, like David did when he faced Goliath, it builds confidence. He remembered how he defeated the lion and the bear and he was able to defeat that giant (I Samuel 17).

When we are confronted with hard times or bad things, that is the time to remember God. Think on how good and faithful He is. As we remember God and all He’s done for us, it creates a foundation to stand on and a path to walk in while we look to God for new things (Isaiah 43:19). As we recall the old things of God and His works, it will inspire us to look forward to the new things God has promised and planned (Isaiah 42:9). We’ll stand on the old paths of the Lord and we’ll walk down new paths He opens up.

For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live]. Ephesians 2:10 (Amplified Bible Classic Edition, AMPC)

We hold onto the old, but good, things God has done while we reach out and lay hold of the new things God is doing and will do. For example, we keep the old hymns, but we sing new songs too. Or we keep solid old friendships while embracing new ones. Or we learn from the Old Testament as we live in the New Testament.

As we allow both the old and the new things of the Lord to impact our lives, we will live balanced lives with a broader understanding of God and sweeter, more beautiful outcomes. We’ll grow in God and experience more of what He has for us. As we hold onto old revelations of who God is, we can still be open to see new revelations of the Lord. Thus, the old and new combined give a fuller picture of who God is.