2020 is over. “Hallelujah!,” roars the crowd. “One of the worse years ever is finally behind us. I can’t wait for the good times to return in 2021.”
While I have not necessarily heard it put exactly that way, there are people who have expressed that attitude in one form or another. They are sick of 2020 and ready to put all the bad news behind them. And there are certainly plenty of bad things to leave behind. Here is just a short list: COVID-19, economic slump, loss of businesses and jobs, health problems and loss of loved ones because of COVID, and social and political unrest across America.
Unquestionably, a lot of people have been impacted by these unpleasant events, not just in America but around the world. Having personally known some people who were directly impacted, included my wife’s own two week bout with COVID in October, I can certainly understand and empathize with those who harbor the attitude of good riddance to 2020.
However, I would like to take a bit of a different view on the matter. First, there is no guarantee that 2021 will necessarily be any better. We may still be dealing with COVID, political and social problems, economic downturns, and such, as we go headlong into this new year. Second, letting events that are outside of our control affect our attitude and the way we live is counterproductive. It inevitably put us in a dark place that can lead to despair and fill our hearts with bitterness.
I know this may not be the positive, uplifting message you may were hoping to hear, but what if this coming year isn’t any better? Then what? Will we let that get us down and steal our joy?
To my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, be reminded that Jesus said, “In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Trouble is a guarantee. It’s going to come our way from time to time. That’s out of our control. What is within our control is how we handle it.
With that in mind, the most important thing we can do as we enter 2021 is devote ourselves to our Overcomer – Jesus Christ! The more we set our minds on him and on things above, the less we will let the things of this world get us down. In that way, we can still experience joy and hope even in the midst of grief and suffering. He is the grace that is essential for our life in him. So have a happy New Year and be blessed with the joy of Christ!
Essential Grace 