Wishing Away a Year? — Not so Fast!

As this year of confusion, conflict, and cancelations comes to a close, it seems the purveying thought is “Good riddance, 2020!” Many people are looking to that flip in the calendar to bring in better days. But, before we are too quick to wish a whole year away, let’s take a moment to recognize the things we’ve seen in 2020.

People are a big deal.

God created people to be in relationship with Him and in fellowship with each other. He made us to be social beings who thrive in communion with one another. We are better when we see faces, when we have conversation, when we hug and encourage one another, when we share our lives together. Look at all the creative ways people tried to stay together in the midst of social distancing. When gatherings were affected, it was brought immediately to our attention just how important those gatherings are. One of the first things we saw in 2020 was that people are important.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is            
For brothers to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

Time is precious.

Precious, dear, treasured, valuable. Time together, time to slow down, time to work, time to grieve, time to celebrate, time to learn and grow, time to worship, time to live — 2020 showed us just how precious that time is. Amid all of the uncertainty of this year, maybe this was the most attention-getting and heartbreaking: We just don’t know how much time we have, and so each moment is to be treasured and used to the utmost.

“There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8)

“So teach us to number our days,
     That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

God’s grace is all around us.

Literally — all around us. From the first flicker of sunlight in the morning throughout the goodness of sleep that night, God’s grace covers us all. People were married this year. Babies drew their first breath. Many found salvation in Jesus Christ this year. The flowers bloomed, the birds sang, the rain fell, and all of nature testified to God’s grace. He gives us beautiful, benevolent blessings despite our complete unworthiness. He’s just that gracious.

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.” (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)

The gospel is the only answer.

Out of all the answers proposed to the many problems we face, the only answer that holds is the gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth of who Jesus is and what He did is the answer that is always right. It never changes and is not dependent on any other thing. The gospel is certain, and our confidence in it is well-placed. It’s where our hope lies. In the good news of Jesus, we find salvation. This message of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah is the message all people need to hear. In a time of shifting stories, fast-changing facts, and trouble on every side, our answer is found in Him.

“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.'” (John 14:6)

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)

God did not change. He won’t.

His character, His nature has not changed. My God is holy — separate, unique, perfect. He is eternal. God is infinite — immeasurable in each attribute. His knowledge knows no bounds. He is Creator of everything, and He holds all things together. My God is righteous — He always does the right thing. He is just — completely fair in every judgment. God has all wisdom. He is unsearchable, yet knowable. My God is all-powerful. He is present everywhere. God depends on no one for His existence. He reigns sovereignly. My God is merciful — faithful to keep His covenant and compassionate toward sinners. He is gracious to us. His love is unmeasurable. He is jealous for me — He wants me for Himself. God is good — better than we can imagine. He is faithful — not one word will ever fail. God is incomparable — there is no one like Him. And, He, alone, is worthy of all worship and praise!

“For I, the LORD, do not change;” (Malachi 3:6)

God never left us. He never will.

Some have called this year “godforsaken.” It’s a word that brings tears to my eyes. Because, be sure, there is not one year, not one day, not one moment in which God has forsaken us. Instead, He forsook His Son, that we might never be forsaken. There was an actual moment when Jesus became our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21), when He was made a curse for us (Galatians 3:13), when He was punished, stricken by God (Isaiah 53:4-5), and He cried out, “MY GOD, MY GOD, WHY HAVE YOU FORSAKEN ME?” (Matthew 27:4). And, it was all “so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Today, by way of the cross of Calvary, we have this promise from a faithful God: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5b)

The Anchor held.

Through every wave, every storm, every moment of uncertainty, the Anchor did not budge. It can’t. The substance of the Anchor is sure — completely trustworthy. The hold of the Anchor is steadfast — it won’t let go. It holds still, today. Our Anchor is Jesus.

“This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, a hope both sure and steadfast…” (Hebrews 6:19)

We don’t have to wait on peaceful circumstances to have peace.

We don’t have to wait until we’re surrounded by joyful events to have joy. We’re not waiting around for our situations to be just right. Our call is to abide in the Vine – Jesus Christ, so that His fruit is produced in us. Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control (Galatians 5:16-24). These are not feelings, not fleeting inspirations, not works we can muster up. These are the fruit of the Spirit of God working in us. And, so, this fruit is not dependent on any circumstance, but on Him. Praise the Lord!

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

God’s Word proved true.

Every word.
He said people are important. He said time is precious. He said His grace is all around us. He said the gospel is the answer. He said He doesn’t change. He said He’ll never leave us. He said the Anchor holds. He said He gives us peace. God’s Words have not failed. They stand. Each one proves true.

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

As believers, the best is always ahead.

While we want to take time to recognize and appreciate what we’ve learned and seen in the past, and while we do not want to be too quick to dismiss or discount a year, as believers, we are always looking forward with hope! Let’s begin this new year heaving up the glory of our God and looking forward to His promises!

“‘THINGS WHICH EYE HAS NOT SEEN AND EAR HAS NOT HEARD, AND which HAVE NOT ENTERED THE HEART OF MAN, ALL THAT GOD HAS PREPARED FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM.'” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.” (Ephesians 3:20-21)