Out with the old and in with the new. Every year we look forward to the new year; a chance to put the past behind us and look forward…hopefully to better things. 2020 was not a year we would want to repeat, that’s for sure. Yet, with all the bad things that happened, there was plenty of good that came from 2020 as well: babies were born, families were drawn closer together…and many drew closer to God. What better things than that could we wish for?
The new year comes always in the wintertime; a time when parts of the world see heavy snowfalls and bitter cold. A time when many suffer a loss of electricity, lack of heat, a warm place to sleep…2020 seemed like a long winter to many…and thankfully, it passed quickly. Spring brought some hope, summer is but a blur, and fall was noticed only for the changing of the trees. Now it’s wintertime again. The circle of life goes on…and still we hope…but on what are these hopes being based?
Did we really expect Covid would go away or that life would get easier simply because of the changing date on our calendar? No, the snow will continue to fall and bitter winds will blow. Change will come with the passing seasons, just maybe not the changes we want to see. I myself would love to see a change happen in the hearts of our people; a revival of all things good and wholesome…from the ways we think and feel…to where we stand with God.
People have asked “Where was God during this pandemic?” He was right here with us, sharing in every fear, loss of loved ones, and all the craziness. He didn’t leave; He didn’t sleep; He didn’t ignore our needs or withhold any help that was asked for…Maybe the question is: “How many called on God during this pandemic? How many thanked Him for never leaving or forsaking us? How many prayers were answered? How many lives were changed for the better simply by His presence? How many gave their lives to Him and repented from their evil ways?
In the book of Lamentations, Jeremiah writes about his feelings following the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Then in the midst of his tears, he realizes that God has been merciful. Lam. 3: 21 This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 22 It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. 24 The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore, will I hope in him.
Let us pray along with Jeremiah in Lam. 5: 21 Turn thou us unto thee, o Lord, and we shall be turned; renew our days as of old.
May we face this new year with hope and expecting great things; giving thanks for every day we’re given and looking at every circumstance as an opportunity to share the good news of salvation. 2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
May we all walk with Him in the newness of life in 2021. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
