3 Day Devotional: Noticing God in a New Year - Day 1

Scripture:
Isaiah 43:14–15 (NRSV)
14Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: For your sake I will send to Babylon and break down all the bars, and the shouting of the Chaldeans will be turned to lamentation. 15I am the LORD, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.

Reflection:
Before God speaks about what God is going to do, God reminds the people of who God is. Redeemer. Holy One. Creator. King. Identity comes before activity.

When life feels uncertain—or when a new year brings pressure to reinvent ourselves—we often begin by asking God to bless our plans. But Isaiah reminds us that noticing God does not begin with effort or outcomes. It begins with remembering rightly.

God’s character is not reshaped by our circumstances. Even when the future feels unclear, God remains steady. When we forget who God is, we start interpreting God through our disappointment, delay, or uncertainty. We may not stop believing in God—but we start shrinking God. Remembering who God is anchors us when life shifts.

Reflection Questions:
Where have recent circumstances subtly reshaped how you see God?
Which name of God do you most need to hold onto right now—Redeemer, Creator, King, Holy One?

Prayer:
God, before I try to interpret my life, help me remember who You are. Re-center my faith on Your unchanging character so I don’t lose my bearings when things feel uncertain. Amen.