"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid."
John 14:27
As we end one year and look forward to a new one, it makes sense to consider where we have been and what we have done in the year that’s ending, and to look forward with prayerful anticipation to the year ahead.
2020 has been a difficult year in many ways. We are ending the year with sadness and disappointment at many levels. Some of us have lost loved ones and some have lost their jobs. Some are facing declining health and strength apart from the pandemic.
There have also been moments of great beauty and happiness. We have celebrated weddings, we have seen loved ones go from this life to glory and celebrated their victory. Children have been born - and adopted - into loving families. We’ve seen many come to faith in Jesus and be delivered. We’ve seen prayers answered in marvelous ways.
We’re all hoping that 2021 will be better than the previous year. We hope for good and godly government, for deliverance from the threat of a global pandemic, for economic prosperity. We pray for a national revival and a tidal change in our god-forsaking culture. But there are no guarantees of any of this.
Whatever comes, we do have this guarantee: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.“ Whatever comes, if we stay close to Jesus we have peace: a peace the world can never understand, much less provide. Peace that comes from knowing that our loving Heavenly Father is taking care of us; that no one and nothing can separate us from the love of God.
So “Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.,” as you look at the new year. God is in control; He is Lord of all, and He will never leave you nor forsake you.
Lord Jesus, You have promised to be with me. I know there will be trials and there will be temptations in the new year, but that I will be able to give thanks to You in all circumstances, because You are the Lord of heaven and earth, and Lord of my life. Thank You for being with me in 2020 and for fulfilling your purpose in my life, and thank You for the plans You have for me in the new year. Keep me close to You in this year! Amen.
Pastor Dan Giles