The Upper Room Devotional 1 May 2026, Friday Message
Green Shoots
Laura Newbury (Virginia, USA)
Today’s Reading
Isaiah 43:14-21
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The Lord said, “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.” – Isaiah 43:18-19 (NIV)
My husband and I love to hike in the woods. With the fresh air, tall trees, wildflowers, and singing birds, a day spent in nature never fails to lift our spirits. So it was unsettling to set out on a hike and find the bleak remains of a forest fire instead. Blackened sticks and stumps littered the ground, and the faint smell of smoke lingered in the air.
As I looked closer, however, I noticed something else. Tiny green shoots poked up through the dirt; a few mountain laurels bloomed on blackened branches. New growth was emerging from the ashes, but I had to look for it.
Focusing on the green shoots in life does not come naturally to me. I tend to ruminate on the past, replaying awkward conversations, missed opportunities, and questionable life choices in an endless loop. But God does not want us to be consumed by “what ifs” and regrets. In this passage from Isaiah, God encourages us to forget the former things that may prevent us from seeing the good that lies ahead.
If we look for the green shoots we will find the hope and strength to keep moving forward, confident that God is laying a path toward a positive future.
Thought for the Day
I will look for the good things God is preparing for me today.
Prayer Focus
To find hope in God’s presence
Read More
More Green Shoots
Today’s Prayer
Gracious God, you go before us and are always with us. Thank you for reminding us to keep our eyes focused on the positive future you have in store for us. Amen.
The Upper Room Devotional 1 May 2026 is a daily devotional magazine published in more than 30 languages and 100 countries around the world. The daily meditations are written by readers of the magazine and others interested in sharing their faith experiences through writing—both laity and clergy, published authors and new writers. Read More