Exactly one year ago we were so hopeful and excited for an outstanding year marked by that number, 2020. It was supposed to be the year of 20/20 Vision. A sense of excitement was automatically built into that number for a bright future, change, a fresh start. After all, who does not want 20/20 vision? If you were like me a year ago, you probably had more excitement than in many years past. We were anticipating greater things in this Year of Vision!
Shortly after the start of our hope-filled year, we were slapped in the face with a harsh reality of a pandemic, and then political and social unrest, all of which has wreaked havoc on us physically, emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Our country, states, and local communities have been divided, torn apart, and mangled, forever changing us and making a deep impact on how we interact with our fellow man.
Things have occurred in America that we never dreamed would happen here in our lifetime-- churches forced by government to close their doors; society coming to a standstill because of the decision to shut down all non-essential businesses, devastating the economy along the way; America on the brink of another civil war due to constant racial tensions; political chaos in our governmental elections.
Yes, 2020 will be remembered as one of the worst years experienced in American history. So much for the Year of Vision, right? But let us look at this year of 2020 from another angle. Perhaps we DID experience 20/20 Vision in 2020. I venture to say emphatically YES, we did experience 20/20 Vision when we look past the obvious crippling mayhem. The experience of 2020 has undeniably made us SEE how much we need our Lord every day in all circumstances. The Lord created man to have fellowship and a relationship with Him as well as with other humans and all He created.
In order to stay focused on relationships with the Lord and fellowman, I encourage you to make 2021 the Year of Praise and giving glory to the Lord. Take what we have learned from 2020 and turn it for good. Can you imagine the impact we could make in the world if every Christian praised and glorified the Lord in all circumstances? There would still be scoffers and haters but think of how many lives would change if we all decided to live a life of praising and glorifying the Father, taking our eyes off of ourselves and placing them on the One True God. Our stress and anxieties would be no longer. The Light of Christ would forever shine, defeating the darkness wherever we go. Pure joy would exude with our presence because of He who lives in us.
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ. He is the Father who is full of mercy,
the God of all comfort. He comforts us every time
we have trouble so that when others have trouble,
we can comfort them with the same comfort
God gives us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
So, here we are once again, celebrating another new year; a year of anticipation, hopeful and excited for an outstanding year marked by that number, 2021. Will you take the challenge of making 2021 the Year of Praise and Glorifying our Lord? If so, send us a message either through email or a FB post/message on our Promise Helpers' page, Promise Helpers Women's Ministry. We love hearing from you!
Psalm 115:18
But As for us, we will bless the Lord
From this time forth and forever.
Praise the Lord!
Psalm 66:2
Sing the glory of His name;
Make His praise glorious.
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
We love you and speak blessing of the Lord over you for 2021.
To God be the Glory,
Karla Maxwell
