To say 2020 has been a tough and challenging year, is the understatement of the century.
Difficulties of every kind dominated our daily life. Days felt like weeks, weeks felt like months, and months felt like a whole quarter. Time creeped, our troubles mounted, and the number of reasons to disagree with each other grew to a level we’ve never seen in our country’s history. So, what now and how do we move on from here?
How do we respond to 2020? What’s our move? What can we do? Where is our effort best spent? Where can we find rest? Where can we find peace? Where can we find hope and joy? Too many questions and too little answers. But there is one answer and he is waiting for us to come to him…
Matthew 11:28-30 Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
7 ideas to consider in the spirit of moving forward into 2021…
Start with a grateful attitude and spirit.
Focus on what’s good and positive in your life
Keep hope alive for tomorrow’s opportunities
Wait (be still or be active) in a manner that would please the LORD
Work and make effort like it only depends on you
Pray for your work and effort like it only depends on God
Tell God what you need and thank him for all that he has done
In God’s economy, praise precedes victory. I’m not talking about “claim it” prayer and things like that. What I am talking about is when we praise God, we active God’s power in our life and can move his heart. When we praise, we’re telling HIM we not only believe in him, but believe HIM! When we put our hope, faith, and trust in him, HE moves mountains on our behalf. HE IS THE difference in a believer’s life and HIS presence changes everything.
Now may be the time to wrestle with God in a way that would activate his power and strengthen your faith. MaybeIt’s time to cry out to God and have that fierce conversation that’s been brewing but hasn’t happened yet. Do you remember when Jacob wrestled with God? This story sums up what I’m speaking about. It wasn’t until Jacob wrestled with God, that he obtained his “own” faith in God. Prior to that he may have been borrowing his family’s faith. See a very nice blog of this here by Dena Johnson!
God tells us that we, his children, are victors not victims, and that we are more than conquerors. We are in fact, overcomers! As we move into 2021, let’s fix our eyes on Jesus and get right with the LORD. Let’s surrender our will for his, and embrace the plan and purpose he has for our lives. When we seek him we will find him. Peace, joy, and rest are just a moment away. What are you waiting for? What do you have to lose by seeking your maker?
I pray you have a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2021. And I pray for your success and significance in the year to come. God bless and Happy New Year!