Finding Joy in 2020
Well, we made it. There were times when we wondered if we would, but we are crossing the finish line of 2020. For many, this will go down as the longest year ever. But tomorrow, we turn the calendar page and it officially says “2021.” Let’s take a moment and look back at 2020.
James 1:2-3 says this: “Consider it a great joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you experience various trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” If anything good is going to be remembered for 2020, this should probably be our theme verse. How do find the joy in a year like 2020?
1. For the good times…celebrate. Many families had good things happen in 2020. Babies were born. Couples were married. Accomplishments were achieved. Milestones were reached. For my family, my younger son graduated from college. That’s a big deal. We should celebrate all of these moments. Don’t miss them because of everything else that happened this year.
2. For the grief…hold on to memories. Many families lost loved ones in 2020. Many families gathered around a graveside and said “good-bye” to someone they care deeply for. For you, hold on to those precious memories of sharing life with that loved one. God blessed you with the relationship that you should now cherish. Those memories will be helpful. Don’t lose the joy of remembering that person you love so much.
3. For the setbacks…seek new opportunities. Many people lost jobs or lost businesses in 2020. Hopefully, you have already hit the “reset” button and started to figure out what is next. Will it be the same? No, definitely not. But, can you embrace the new challenge and the new opportunity? Yes, definitely so. Closed doors free you up to tackle new adventures. Enjoy the journey of the new opportunities that these changes have brought.
4. For the fear we have experienced…grow in faith. Fear can be paralyzing and debilitating. Faith is liberating. COVID and everything surrounding it has rained fear on most every family. This gives you a chance to grow in your faith. For everything you don’t control in life (which is most things), trust and walk with the God who does control it all. Faith overcomes fear. Let your faith be stretched through all that we have been through in 2020. You can come out stronger on the other side.
We have had many “trials” in 2020. In Christ, we can still have joy. As you look back on 2020, I hope you can find joy in the midst of the pain and struggle.
Now, we turn our attention to 2021. This is a new year. We get a new start. May you hit the ground running with high hopes, big dreams, and lofty expectations for all that God is going to do in you in 2021. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
(Responses/questions? jeff.perkins@mbclife.org)