Encouragement for New Year
Departures and entrances are two inevitable experiences in life. We are leaving 2020 behind and have just entered 2021. Many of us will remember how painful it is to leave something, someone, a place, or a moment behind. It will be normal to feel afraid, anxious and sometimes discouraged.
However, under the circumstances, leaving 2020 may feel more like a relief for most people. Not only did we lose loved ones, for some it was the elections, financial challenges, employment issues, friends who share a different ideological orientation and so on. Given what we have experienced in 2020, entering into 2021 can feel more hopeful. And yet, there is always that fear of the unknown. We had the pandemic in 2020. What will 2021 bring? Will I survive the year and make it to the other side? Will my family remain intact?
The New Year is upon us. How will we enter it? God understood exactly what the people in Joshua 1:9 were going through. This text identifies two very real emotions of the people, fear and discouragement. He says, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Right now, with the pandemic being at its worst in the US and in many parts of the world, we too may have feelings of fear and discouragement. Let’s take God at His word and learn to be strong and courageous, knowing that God is walking this journey with us.
A very blessed New Year to you all.