The years seem to be passing faster. Perhaps you are looking back over 2020 and remembering all that occurred since the year began. Problems that touched your life are a distant memory, while blessings that came to you from God and opportunities of service to Him make you smile.
Many of your are busy taking down Christmas trees and putting away all the decorations, writing thank you notes for gifts. It’s hard to think about new goals and beginnings with old concerns lingering in your mind. This sometimes can make you feel insecure and discouraged about the future. I have to read Philippians 3:13-14 this time of year: “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: (reached my goals), but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are before, I press tower the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Nothing comforts and encourages us more than considering that God is absolutely faithful in forgiveness, guidance and help through it all. I saw a new year’s card that read inside, “Trust me! I have everything in control — Jesus.”
Although 2020 has ended, God remains sovereign over all things. How this helps us as we face the unknowns ahead of us! No problem, trial or difficulty is too large or overwhelming for our Lord and Savior, Jesus! He will guide us to victory as we are told in Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him loved us.” It takes three words in English — “more than conquerors” to translate a single greek word, “hypernikomen.” Why are we more than conquerors? Because we try hard? Because we are courageous? No! We are more than conquerors “through Him who loved us.” He will give us the strength to deal with 2021.
So as this new year begins, rejoice that the Lord is with you and will always be with you. May He help us know and trust Him better in 2021. Welcome this new year with faith and confidence.
Dr. David Bouler of Global Faith Ministries, Chattanooga, Tennessee, contributed this column to the Journal Review. He can be reached by email at debouler@aol.com.
