Our Daily Bread Devotional For January 9, 2026: Title - The Future God Is Preparing

Our Daily Bread Devotional

9th January 2026

TOPIC: The Future God Is Preparing

BIBLE IN A YEAR: Genesis 23–24; Matthew 7

KEY VERSE:

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.” — Isaiah 43:18

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE:

Isaiah 43:16–21

MESSAGE

We live in a digital age where almost nothing is ever forgotten. Photos, posts, and online records can linger indefinitely. Recognizing this, one major search engine introduced a privacy option that allows people to request the removal of sensitive personal information such as phone numbers or home addresses. Although the data may not be completely erased, its visibility is reduced, offering a sense of relief and control.

This modern idea of limiting the past mirrors God’s message to His people in Isaiah 43:18–19: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” These words were spoken to Israel while they were in exile in Babylon—a time marked by loss, regret, and hopelessness. God urged them not to be trapped by memories of past failures or the pain of captivity. Instead, He called them to focus on the new work He was about to accomplish.

God was promising a fresh act of deliverance—greater than the exodus from Egypt. He would make “a way in the wilderness” (v. 19), leading them back home and into a future filled with hope and purpose. This wasn’t simply about wiping away the past, but about actively preparing a better tomorrow.

In the same way, we’re encouraged not to dwell on our regrets, mistakes, or shame. Through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:10), God has dealt with our sins completely and promises to “remember [them] no more” (Isaiah 43:25). Our past no longer defines us. God is moving us forward into the future He has lovingly prepared for us.

(Message by Marvin Williams)

REFLECT & PRAY

Why is it often hard to let go of the past? How can you grow in trusting God for fresh beginnings?

Prayer:

Dear God, help me release my past and confidently embrace the future You are preparing for me. Amen.

INSIGHT FOR TODAY

Judah was sent into exile because of her sins (Isaiah 39:6–7). Long before that, God had powerfully delivered His people from Egypt (Isaiah 43:16–17). Yet He told them not to dwell on those former acts because what He was about to do would be even greater. God promised to bring them back from exile (vv. 5–7), provide for them (vv. 20–21), and, most importantly, forgive their sins (v. 25).

This forgiveness was not earned—they had failed to honor God (vv. 22–24)—but it flowed from God’s gracious nature. As Nehemiah 9:17 reminds us, God is forgiving, compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in love. Because of the “new thing” God has done through Jesus, we can look ahead with hope instead of being held captive by our past.

(Insight by K. T. Sim)