I wonder what 2021 will hold. I honestly do not know. I can say that I am hopeful because I know who holds 2021 in His hands! As I sit here preparing my mind and heart for the new year and days to come; I question whether or not I am truly ready for the new year. Am I ready for new trials? Am I mentally ready for the distractions that the year will hold? Am I strong enough to endure the negativity that dwells in the land? Will I cry more tears of pain or joy this year? What prayers will be answered this year? Is 2021 going to be life changing for me and my family? Am I truly ready for revival? Are my children ready for what this year holds? How many more adaptations are ahead of us? Do you have thoughts like this? I will admit that each year, more questions come. I had no idea what 2020 would bring. 2020 was full of ups and downs as well as life lessons for me as well as so many other people. I really tried to make the best of it; however, I struggled within myself and my home. 2020 was a hard year for me! I learned to not take worship, church, gatherings, family, and traveling for granted along with many other things. I learned to slow down. I learned that life can change in one moment. I learned to listen to my body. I learned that we do not always get what we deserve! In hindsight, 2020 was not all bad. However, I learned that I need God and more of God in every sense of the way. I know what I need to do in 2021. The Bible says in James 1:2-4 to "Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." I will be completely honest and tell you that I did not always count it all joy in 2020. I fought against trails and hardships that came my way. I allowed the words and actions of man to dictate my self worth as well as purpose. I allowed the stress of work to affect my home. I allowed situations to darken my light. If I would have counted it all joy, I may not have struggled as much in 2020.
In November, as I stood at this lookout spot in Arkansas, I looked at the land and the beauty that God had created. It was so different that my usual view. I wondered what was beyond that point? I saw mountains and valleys. I could see a river. I saw a fog over the hills. I heard very little noise. It was peaceful! I was excited to go beyond. I felt like a Disney princess singing "Into the Unknown". I do not know what this year may bring, it is the unknown. I am going into the unknown in 2021. However, I do know two things going into 2021. I know the One who holds this year in the palm of His hand because I am in the palm of His hand. I have experienced the Lord on a very personal level. He is very real to me! He speaks to me! For the longest time now, I have been saying and claiming that I am waiting on the Lord. I am in a season of waiting and I am waiting on the Lord! Then, one day recently, the Lord spoke to me and said "You're not waiting on me. I am waiting on you." I was a little taken by the words. Now, we have been a waiting season and a season of "NO" for a while but apparently, the Lord was saying that I was dwelling there longer than I was supposed to. That's on me! Again, the Bible teaches us to COUNT IT ALL JOY! He comforts me. Psalm 94:19 says "When my anxious thoughts multiply within me, Your comforts delight me." Being in the presence of God and reading His word comforts me. If it does all that, then WHY do I not read it more and pray more? He helps me. I know that he hears my cries and sees my attempts. Psalm 139:4 says "Even before there is a word on my tongue [still unspoken], Behold, O Lord, You know it all." He is mindful of me! Psalm 40:17 says "Even though I am afflicted and needy, Still the Lord takes thought and is mindful of me. You are my help and my rescuer. O my God, do not delay." I know that I need to dig into the Word of God more. Psalm 25:14 tells us "The secret [of the wise counsel] of the Lord is for those who fear Him, And He will let them know His covenant and reveal to them [through His word] its [deep, inner] meaning." 2 Timothy 2:15 also says "Study and do your best to present yourself to God approved, a workman [tested by trial] who has no reason to be ashamed, accurately handling and skillfully teaching the word of truth." Psalm 119:50 says "This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me and given me life." Psalm 119:105 says "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Proverbs 2:1-11 says "My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints. Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path. When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; Discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee." The Word of God will keep and preserve me! WOW! In this new year, I need more of God. Not just quantity; but quality. Really focus on the scriptures. Study them out. Why is this person named in the Bible while others are not? This also means more of His presence. Listen to different sermons on podcasts or Facebook. Put a favorite worship cd or playlist on. I challenge you to join me in being more intentional with these two things in 2021. Message me if you would like to know what I listen to.
I truly believe that God is with us. I told my husband, Beau, that I refuse to go into 2021 defeated, depressed, and oppressed by things that are beyond my control. The only way that I can do this is with God's help, spending time with him, and meditating on his word daily as well as counting it all joy. I will also tell you, so that I am accountable for it, that I am making monthly goals for myself this year instead of a New Year's Resolution. For example: I plan to cook 3-4 times a week, exercise 3-4 times a week, clean the hallway closet, and finish reading Enemies of the Heart in January. Also, this past Wednesday night, our teacher, Bro. Jimmy Sawtelle, was talking about doing three things in 2021. I really thought his thought was great and asked if I could share to maybe help someone. He said "Give up 1 thing in 2021. Take on 1 thing in 2021. Put 1 thing on the altar in 2021." So, I am going to work on this along with my personal goals. However, I have put 2020 on the altar. I am giving myself grace and moving forward in God.
I pray that you can do the same and that we will be victorious in 2021. Happy New Year!
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