Former Things vs. The Former Things

“How to Stop Fearing Your Future” (Isaiah 46:9 – Study)

I’m still sitting with Isaiah 46, and I’m still in awe at what God is revealing and how it connects to our journey of flowing in His purpose and plans for our lives.

Oftentimes, we hear people mention Isaiah 43, where we are told not to remember the former things. So when I came across Isaiah 46:8–9 and saw that now we are being told to remember the former things, I paused.

I mean…what, God?

And then it hit me.

I had one of those “run around the building” moments. If you grew up in church, you already know. That moment when the revelation hits so deeply that it frees something in you, and your body responds before your mind can even fully process it.

Because this was not a contradiction.

This was clarity.

It also brought me to another truth in Scripture about setting our minds on the things of God to maintain peace (Isaiah 26:3), And then I thought about how Scripture tells us to cast down imaginations (2 Corinthians 10:5). Now we are talking about thoughts. We are talking about what you choose to hold onto mentally.

Do you see the connection?

What you remember shapes what you think.

What you think shapes how you respond.

And how you respond shapes your life.

So let me ask you this:

What if by simply remembering the former things correctly, you could shift how you respond to what is happening in your life right now?

Not by doing more.

Not by trying to fix everything at once.

But by remembering correctly.

Because all “former things” are not the same.

Some will keep you stuck.

Others will keep you straight.

And knowing the difference will change how you move forward.

When the Wrong Former Things Are Leading You

There are former things that replay pain, disappointment, and regret.

Moments you wish went differently. Conversations you wish you could redo.

Decisions that still sit heavy when they cross your mind.

If you are not careful, those memories will begin shaping how you show up today.

They will make you hesitant when you should be confident.

They will make you guarded when you need to be open.

They will cause you to second-guess what God has already spoken over your life.

And here is what happens when you start responding from those kinds of former things.

You delay what God is calling you to step into.

You shrink back from opportunities that require faith.

You overthink decisions that once felt clear.

You protect yourself in ways that also limit you.

Over time, you begin to live cautiously instead of living faithfully.

That kind of focus will leave you feeling defeated, even when God has already given you reasons to stand.

And just like that, you find yourself in a loop. Thinking the same thoughts. Feeling the same hesitation. Making the same restrained moves.

Not because God has not moved. But because your memory is anchored in the wrong place.

The Former Things God Is Pointing You To

Now this is where Isaiah 46 shifts everything.

This is the part that gave me that run around the building moment.

God is not asking you to sit and replay every detail of your past. He is not asking you to relive what hurt you.

He is being very specific.

He is pointing you to the kind of remembering that builds trust.

“Remember the former things of old… for I am God, and there is no other.”

— Isaiah 46:9 (ESV)

God is not asking you to remember everything.

He is asking you to remember Him.

Remember how He carried you when you felt like you could not carry yourself.

Remember how He provided when things did not make sense on paper.

Remember how He made a way when there was no clear path in front of you.

Remember how He kept you when you felt unsure, tired, or stretched.

That is the kind of remembering that strengthens you.

That is the kind of remembering that steadies your steps.

Why This Matters More Than You Think

When you remember correctly, you respond differently. You do not react out of fear.

You do not shrink back so quickly. You do not assume the worst outcome.

Worry and stress stop leading the conversation in your mind.

Sadness begins to loosen its grip.Your perspective starts to shift.

And in that moment, you begin responding from what you already know to be true about God. You start reminding yourself that “even if…God is…

God is faithful.

God is consistent.

God is a provider.

God is a way maker.

God is present.

Before you respond to what is happening today, take a holy pause and ask yourself:

What has God already done for me?
Where has He already shown up?
What evidence do I already have?

You may not need a new plan right now. You may need a better reference point.

GROW THROUGH IT

What “former things” have you been replaying that are keeping you stuck?
What “former things” clearly show God’s faithfulness in your life?
Where have you been responding more from memory than from truth?
What would shift if you made God’s track record your starting point?

One Action Step:

Write down three specific ways God has come through for you before. Be detailed. Keep that list somewhere visible so you can return to it when your thoughts start drifting.