“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.”

At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, a famous Scottish song is sung. “Auld Lang Syne” is a song about the past. The words “auld lang syne” translate to “old long since” or “for old times’ sake.” It’s a song about looking back fondly and saying goodbye to the old year. Perhaps you’ve heard it or even sung it.

It can be very tempting to look back at 2025 and try to relive the best moments of the year. It can also be tempting to look back at the difficulties and vow not to repeat the mistakes of the past year. The problem is when we get stuck staring at the past instead of looking forward to the future.

God told His people through the prophet Isaiah to not dwell on the past. God was about to do a new thing! God is the God of new things, friend. He’s not stuck in the past. He is leading you forward into a glorious new year. He promised that He would make a new way in the wilderness and provide refreshing streams in the desert. Can you see it? Can you even perceive what God is going to do in 2026?

God has a good plan for you in 2026. He will continue to work all things together for good for those who love Him and who do His will. Do not dwell on the past—whether failures or triumphs. God is about to do some new things and He has new things He’s prepared for you to do, too. Step boldly into 2026, because that’s where God is waiting to do some new things in and through you.

By Shawn Cornett, Bible League International staff, Indiana U.S.