If this year has taught us anything, it’s that we do not know tomorrow. It is often said that we don’t know what the next day could bring. But I believe that this 2020 that truth really hit home for many.
As much as we are aware that tomorrow is not certain, at the start of this year many people still had their resolutions written down, plans made and goals set for all the things they wanted to accomplish and achieve in 2020. And then C0VID-19 happened and all those plans were brought to nothing.
COVID-19 happened and people realised that we truly do not know the future and that there are actually some things you just can’t plan for.
Finding a New Way Forward
After the winds of Corona had blown past, the next step was trying to readjust and find a new way forward amidst the chaos. Now with a new variant of COVID on the rise it looks like that chaos may just get worse.
So how does one move forward, not knowing what tomorrow will bring? How does one plan for the New Year with no inkling of what it might look like? The answer is with the help of God.
With the Help of God
Apart from driving it home that the future is unknown, this year has also taught us that we really do need the help of God.
It’s easy to believe that you have everything under control, especially when things appear to be going well. But when everything falls apart (like it did this year) that’s when we turn to the Lord. That’s when we realise that we cannot overcome all things through our own strength and that we can only do all things through Christ. (Philippians 4:13) That includes facing the New Year.
So instead of setting goals and plans for 2021 based on how you want it to go, plan for the New Year with God. For the only way we can succeed in this coming year is with His help and through the guidance of His Holy Spirit.
Let the Spirit Lead
As New Covenant believers we have been given the wonderful privilege of being led by the Holy Spirit, our Teacher (John 14:26), Comforter, Guide (John 16:13) and Counselor. But I’m not sure how many people actually make use of this gift. Or, even realise what it means for us.
To have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit means that we are no longer forced to figure things out on our own. We don’t have to try and get things right by ourselves. We have the help of the Holy Spirit.
He gives us the wisdom, discretion and discipline (Galatians 5:22) we need to achieve what we often cannot through our own strength. That includes planning and moving through the New Year.
But the Holy Spirit will only help you, if you let Him.
So, let Him lead and guide you. Listen to His prompting and nudging in your heart. Even if what He commands sounds ridiculous or unconventional.
Remember, God does not see as man sees, He is God after all. He sees far beyond. So trust Him and believe that He knows best and don’t forget that all His plans for you are only good. (Jeremiah 29:11)
Position Yourself Spiritually
When reflecting upon this year, I often liken it to the period spoken of in the book of Acts, where the disciples were in their own kind of lockdown after the death of Jesus. They hid in the upper room, praying and seeking the Lord, (Acts 1:13-14) waiting for the coming of the Spirit.
When the Spirit finally came and fell upon them (Acts 2:1-4), they were strengthened and emboldened and ready to go preach the Gospel.
In the same way that their period of seclusion and isolation was preparing them for God’s anointing, I believe this year was also preparing the saints to receive of God’s goodness. But, in order to partake of that goodness, you must position yourself spiritually so that you can receive it.
This means fixing your eyes on the Word of God. Listen out to what the women and men of God around the world are saying as we enter into the New Year. Also listen to what the Lord is speaking to you personally and what He desires of and for you this New Year.
Do Not Boast About Tomorrow
Finally, a word of caution. Do not boast about tomorrow. As it is written in the book of James “you do now know what will happen tomorrow.” (James 4:14) Rather we should to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” (v15)
Don’t fall again into the trap of planning the future without God’s wisdom. You don’t know tomorrow. Keep looking to God for guidance, remembering that at the end of the day it’s not this life that matters because eternity is the end goal.
Eternity is the Goal
As Christians we ought to live with the knowledge that we are only here for a little while. This earth is not our eternal home, God’s new heaven and earth are. (2 Corinthians 5:1)
This is an important thing to remember as we step into a New Year that looks uncertain. Our hope and confidence is in God and His precious promises to us. (2 Peter 1:4)
So no matter what tomorrow or 2021 may bring, remember that you are a child of God and your name is registered in heaven. (Luke 19:20) Let this give you peace, reassurance and confidence as you prepare for the New Year.
