Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the

For those tired with the monotony of life, and those praying for a breakthrough, God wants to do something new in your life. The Word says, “I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

Three characteristics of the desert:

1. It is a very hot place
Some of us are tense and heated up inside, though outwardly we may be in a comfortable space. But God will open a new way: you will be cooled and comforted by the Holy Spirit. The heat in your heart will be loosened in the name of Jesus.

2. It is impossible to figure out direction
The desert looks the same all around and one cannot know the way forward. In your desert experience you might be wondering, “How will I get out?” Perhaps others in church or in your family have gotten a breakthrough and you feel like a failure. Your heart may be heavy. However, God will make a road for you in the wilderness and exalt you higher than the others. He has a plan for your life, so seek His face. Jesus declared that He is the way, truth and life. He is not just the way to heaven, but the way out of your difficult situations– be it career, marriage or finances.

3. It is a dry place
There are no provisions or resources in desert. No water either, to quench your thirst. The devil may be exploiting the worry in your hearts about various issues. But the Holy Spirit will make you free today, and reveal unto you more than one way of supernatural provisions. God has promised not a river, but many rivers in the desert.

How will God do it for me?

This people I have formed for Myself; They shall declare My praise.

God will do a miracle for His people, when they show forth His praise. Don’t try to find a solution with your intellect or knowledge; rather look to the face of Jesus. The Word says that those who looked unto him were radiant. Once you begin to praise God, His hand will work a miracle for you.

Thanksgiving is done once the blessing has come through. But praise is given even before the promise is fulfilled. Praise is an expression of faith. In Acts 16, Paul and Silas were in prison. But as they prayed and praised, the doors were opened and they were set free. Even when your breakthrough is not in sight, start praising Him. God will open a new way for such people. If you are sick, in debt or abandoned by loved ones, start praising and God will work a miracle.

For what all do we praise him?

Oh, that men would praise [and confess to] the Lord for His goodness and loving-kindness and His wonderful works to the children of men!

We need to praise God for his goodness, mercy and his wonderful works for us. This is repeated three more times in the Psalm in verses 15,21 and 31. The psalmist wishes, if only the people would praise God!

Kinds of people who should praise:

1. Rebels

Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, Bound in affliction and irons— 11 Because they rebelled against the words of God, And despised the counsel of the Most High

Some people do not praise God, and their hearts are hardened with rebellion towards God and man. This is not merely a matter of words, but an attitude of the heart. God hates this mindset of rebellious striving; He cannot open a new way for such people. Though able and capable, the work of their hands will not be fruitful. Their feet are tied so they cannot walk into God’s blessing. God wishes such people would praise Him so He could do a wonderful work in them and set them free. Repent from the spirit of rebellion, humble yourself and ask God to give you the mind of Christ.

2. Fools afflicted by iniquities

Fools, because of their transgression, And because of their iniquities, were afflicted... He sent His word and healed them, And delivered them from their destructions.

The Lord delivers fools afflicted by iniquities, if only they would praise Him. He delivers them out of their distress, and from destruction.

In the Bible, consider the case study of two people who responded differently to distress. The presence of God had left Saul due to his disobedience. In his state of distress, he goes to a woman practicing witchcraft, instead of turning back to God and His counsel. This was an act of rebellion. Then Saul said to his servants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” (1 Samuel 28.7)

However when David went through distress, he called to God and sought His presence. He drew closer to God, and God was able to work a miracle in his life. Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him… But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God. (1 Sam 30.6)

Who do you choose to be – David or Saul?

3. Those tossed by circumstances

They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end

There are some who are being tossed on the waves and are far away from their harbor. They need to praise God, for the storm to be calmed and for them to be guided to their haven.

God is sending forth this Word to bring you out of your pit and destruction. It is not what you do or don’t do: it is your spirit and nature that He looks at.

Move closer to Jesus in your distress and surrender to Him. Ask God to remove the foolishness and darkness from your life and to help you see in His light. Ask him to give you a lifestyle of praise and thanksgiving. Tell him that you don’t want to be bent on doing your thing and going your way; rather you want to be bent on doing His thing and going His way.

He is a God who listens to your prayer and He is faithful to open a new way. O You who hear prayer, To You all flesh will come. (Ps 65.2)