Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke . . .1 As Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever,2 he continues to speak to us and call our attention. Peculiar, as we were in the last month of 2020, we felt earthquakes. As though God was persistently calling our attention in whatever way—The LORD reigns, let the peoples tremble! He sits enthroned upon the cherubim, let the earth quake!3
The realities have not changed yet we are glad that the year 2020 has ended; the superficial change of calendar year, gives us the desired interlude. Regardless, it is fitting to give thanks to the LORD and recount all his wonderful deeds4 throughout the tumultuous year. Personally, I am basically thankful for the following: One, shaking off what had to be shaken;5 two, securing my family’s safety, protection, and provision;6 and three, sustaining the ministry.7
If your happiness has been the pursuit of things (plus god), hopefully, 2020 had made you realize that apart from God nothing will satisfy. May you turn at his reproof.8 Like David, may you take comfort knowing that the LORD is your shepherd; and you shall not want.9
If you have constantly been overcome by fear, hopefully, 2020 had made you understand that your faith is much bigger than your fear. The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.10
If you had been obsessively trying to prove that you are in control, hopefully, 2020 had humbled you and helped you decide to turn over the driver’s seat to Christ Jesus. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.11
Let them praise your great and awesome name! Holy is he!12 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.13
Notes:
1. Hebrews 1:1
2. Hebrews 13:8
3. Psalm 99:1
4. Psalm 9:1-2
5. Hebrews 12:26-29
6. Psalm 91:1-16
7. Matthew 16:17-19
8. Proverbs 1:23
9. Psalm 23:1
10. Psalm 9:9-10
11. Colossians 1:16-17
12: Psalm 99:3
13. Psalm 23:1
