Many people are happy to see 2020 end. But, honestly, do you really think that 2021 is going to be any better? There’s been a lot of damage done to small businesses all over the world with the lock downs and mandates. Some may recover, most won’t. We still aren’t sure as to who will be sitting in the Oval Office as President of the U.S. on January 20th. However, we need realize that no matter who it is, God is still in control and Jesus is still King!
We just finished going through the Gospel of Luke which took us from the Baby of Bethlehem to the Cross on Calvary. Here’s a bit from a piece by Dr. Jim Denison to think about…
How quickly the world moves on. The after-Christmas sales began the moment Christmas was over. The decorations are going back into attics, the holiday back on the shelf. All eyes are on the new year and our hopes that 2021 will heal what 2020 has broken in our world.
But a vaccine, even one as welcome as the COVID-19 vaccines, cannot prevent all disease and mortality. An economic recovery cannot prevent all poverty and pain. Progress toward racial and economic justice cannot prevent all racism and injustice.
It is when we see Christmas through the eyes of Calvary that we find the hope our souls need most.
Dr. Jim Denison, Denison Forum
Our hope for 2021 is not in a vaccine, not in a President and certainly not in a political party or a cause.
Our hope is in God alone!
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
James 4:8 NLT
No Fear
There are many times in the Bible that someone is told, “Don’t be afraid!” That, my friends applies to us today. Yes, we may not know what lies ahead in 2021, but one thing we do know, is that we can count on God. We can put our trust in Him and in Him only!
Undoubtedly, there will be storms of many kinds this next year. We know we are living in the last days and we are just feeling the birth pains. It’s going to get worse. (Check out the Signs of the Times)
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not preaching doom and gloom. It’s exactly the opposite.
Fear comes when we focus on the storm,
faith comes when we focus on Jesus.
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NLT
“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the Lord always, for the Lord GOD is the eternal Rock.”
Isaiah 26:3-4 NLT
The Virus Called Death
There is another virus out there — deadlier than the coronavirus or any of its mutant strains. It’s called death. Unfortunately, everyone must face it sooner or later. No one knows when. There’s only one cure. That is the Good News! We know that Jesus defied death, so that we could also. Imagine that! We are able to defy death just as Jesus did! That is the Salvation that is only found Through Jesus.
Looking Forward
We have a choice. We can look back at all that happened in 2020 and say, “Woe is me!” or we can look forward to 2021 with a confident hope that is only found through Jesus Christ.
“No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.”
Philippians 3:13-14 NLT
Trust God
Let’s Pray…
Dear Jesus, the storms of life can be overwhelming, but we choose to trust in you, to steadfastly focus on you! We ask that you fill and overwhelm us with your peace. We love you and trust you! And, thank you that you didn’t just come then, but you are also with us now. Thank you for the undeserved invitation into friendship and partnership with you. Thank you for being with us! We trust, you Jesus! Amen!
Don’t settle for distance from God. Respond to his invitation—come close to God. Make 2021 a true, happy new year!
