It’s that time of year again where we all start making plans for the coming year, we set ourselves goals and make resolutions. But actually it got me thinking about the year which has just passed. Surely if 2020 is anything to go by, we have all learnt that we can make all the plans we want, but in reality none of us know what will happen next month, next week or even tomorrow.
So, here are the five main lessons we can learn from 2020 and help to focus our minds for the coming year:
- God is in control
“Yours, O Lord is the greatness, the power, and the glory, the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all.
Both riches and honour come from You and You reign over all; In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great, and to give strength to all.”
1 Chronicles 29:11-12
- If we are with God, he will be with us and will not forsake us
“Fear not; for I am with you: Be not dismayed; for I am your God: I will strengthen you; Yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with the My righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Draw nigh to God, and He will draw near to you.”
James 4:8
- As believers in Christ, we have each other for comfort and support
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,
Always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy,
For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now.”
Philippians 1:3-5
- Christ is coming back to set up His kingdom on earth
“And there shall be signs in the sun, in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring;
Men’s hearts failing them from fear and expectation of those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.
Then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.”
Luke 21:25-27
- We’re nearly there
“Now when these things begin to come to happen, look up, and lift up your heads; because your redemption draws near.”
Luke 21:28
So as 2020 comes to an end and we stand on the precipice of a new year in these uncertain and sometimes frightening times, let us always remember,
“Be anxious for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7