“He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true” (Revelation 21:5).
The last two years were not an ideal situation for most of us. The transition from social interaction to isolation was a new way of living and for some in 2020. It is still taking time to adapt to this current climate in 2021, even as many cities have reopened. Although this has become the new reality, Christians must keep their eyes on the Lord and looked to him for their strength.
“But those who hope in the Lord 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” (Isaiah 40:31).
No matter what is happening in the world, be encouraged! This past year has had its highs and lows but when we put trust in God, it gives Him room to lift us up and do things in our lives that we have never experienced before, thus helping us to see the lows from a new perspective.
Think about it, you have a vision for your dream home, however, your landlord let’s you visit the home and you find that the property is in need of a lot of reconstruction and repairs. This may crush your dreams when you hear this until you see the transformation that has taken place. You walk into the home after the restoration took place and it has everything you wanted to be in your dream home. It went from being an old, vacant home to now a beautiful place to dwell.
This is how God redeemed us from this fallen world and made us new in his image. God’s plan, in the beginning, was to create the earth and beautiful creatures to live on the earth; humans being his most precious creature. However, we know that in the Garden of Eden, man sinned and no longer followed his original design. Despite this, God still had us in mind and had a plan to fix what was broken. And Revelation 21:5 gives us hope that despite what difficulties we may have faced in 2020 we can hold on for 2021, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).
God has already done so much for us which is enough to be thankful for. I encourage you to write a list of all the good things that God has done in your life this past year. You will find that the good outways the bad, so rejoice and be hopeful for what is to come!
As we are going into the new year, I pray that we can all keep our eyes on God and set personal goals and ministry goals with hopes that he will fulfill them at due time. Being reminded of his promises and already giving thanks to him for the redemptive work he is doing in our lives. He is doing a new thing and for that reason, every New Year will be happy!!