Global Pandemic will do that to you! 2020 was rough. In a lot of ways. Too many ways. But while there was loss, and missing out, and pain, there was also growth, resilience, and closeness. As I sat down to write about my One Word for 2021, I reviewed last year's word, breathe, and reflected on how it impacted my year. This is the closing paragraph of the blog from last year:
A new chapter, a new year, a new DECADE! So much will be changing in my life over the next 12-24 months. And while I cannot wait, I also know my anxiety will be high. I am working hard this year to stay in front of it. Medication, prayer, and just breathing.
Man! Talk about prophetic! Changed my meds early in the year - for the better. Endless prayer for so many situations over the past 12 months! And, because of the lockdowns, closures, remote schedules, and distance learning, I was able to breathe. I didn't always recognize it in the moment, but it was there. I was reminded over and over I was not in control. GOD is in control. It was my job to pray, listen (One Word 2019), and just breathe.
The year 2021, for so many, is a year of HOPE. Hope for a vaccination so we can get back to a more normal routine. HOPE for families to recover financially from the stress this pandemic has caused. HOPE for growth and development from the lessons learned over this tumultuous year. HOPE for peace from all the divisiveness in our world. HOPE for a break from the stress and strife. I know where to find that hope - IN JESUS!
This year's word came to me over the Christmas season. I have always loved the song "O Holy Night." The line "A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices" spoke to me every time I heard that song this past month. The THRILL! A sudden feeling of excitement and pleasure. We all want that for 2021! And HOPE! A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. This year is ripe with expectation and desire. "For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn." 2021 is a new, and glorious morn! There is HOPE! We can fall on our knees, and love one another! We can live in His law of love and Gospel of Peace.
Jeremiah 29:11 says "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." He knows! He knows we are weary, broken, and looking for more. REST in him. LEAN IN to the hope he has for us. Hebrews 10:23 says "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful." This is your call, too! Profess your hope; God is always faithful. He will continue to strengthen you while you are in a place of waiting. Isaiah 40:31 tells us "those who hope in the Lod will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
So, in 2021, I will stand in my faith. I will HOPE for my future, my family's future, and the future of our local community, our state, and our nation. I will take action when guided by the Holy Spirit, and I will pray for discernment in all my decisions. I will continue to listen to God's whispers, and I will also breathe through the tough moments.
"As for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more." Psalm 71:14
Welcome to 2021. I hope you have a GREAT year, and you can renew your strength from the lessons 2020 forced us to learn. Sing sweet hymns of joy and Praise His Holy Name! There is a THRILL of HOPE!
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| I can see HOPE in 2021 |
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