Hope for the New Year

What a year 2020 has been, and how grateful most of us probably are that we are entering into the New Year.  I am hoping the world may open up again soon, and people can get back to a relatively normal lifestyle.  We may get back to “normal,” but we will never be the same.  Some of us have lost loved ones or business ventures due to COVID-19.  Others have lost friendships or family bonds due to the contentious presidential election and political climate.  Still others may never quite feel comfortable going back to large indoor gatherings ever again. 

Some of you, however, can see the bigger picture as well.  This last year has forced us to take stock of what we have, and what is actually important.  It has prompted a spiritual awakening of sorts - it has forced us to ask “So what then, is the purpose of it all?”  What does this grand design that we are all a part of actually mean?  It becomes a matter of finding purpose.  We exist now in a world experiencing a pandemic and civil unrest.  I really thought we would be finished fighting COVID-19 by now.  Surely there is more to life than this.  And so the thought creeps into our minds again ... always there, never really going away for very long:  what is the meaning of my life, and what do I do with this life in a post-pandemic America?  

Bear with me now, as I want to pass along something that has helped guide me up to this point.  I believe it speaks directly to the question of purpose and meaning.  It isn't a self-help tip or some piece of biased opinion.  It comes to us by way of an ancient proverb (or saying) found in the Old Testament.  Proverbs 9:10 tells us that "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

I believe that this fear (which really means respect and obedience) for God, and a pursuit of His knowledge will lead us directly to faith and purpose.  If we follow this path to fruition, mankind cannot help but end up exactly where God wants him to be; cultivating a healthy respect and awe for His creative existence.  It trumps all other forms of fruitless gain.  In fact, wise King Solomon goes on to list off ten things that seem like they matter on the surface, but have no lasting impact without God's involvement.  Things like work, wealth, competition, power, etc.  All of these things will be here today, and eventually, gone tomorrow.  At some point in the future, even your own family line may not know that you existed.  Humbling, isn't it?  And also cause for sorrow, if it weren't for God and His eternal qualities.

2020 has shown us who we really are in some ways.  Are we scared, nervous, angry, or frustrated?  If so, what do we do about it over the course of the next twelve months?  My advice is this: “baptize” everything you do for the sake of God's goodness.  Are you a writer?  Then write books and articles for Him.  Are you a coach?  Then lead your athletes to be Godly competitors.  Any talent you happen to possess is from God anyway ... you know that don't you? 

So in this New Year, I would encourage you to seek God and love Him, and this will sustain you in ways that defy imagination.  You will have gained more grace than any of us deserve, and you will then be able to pass it on to other people.  You can get rid of that helpless feeling forever.  Fear and worry can then be placed in check.  You are called to so much more than that anyway.  Let us give ourselves permission to hope again.  

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