At this time, a year ago, I recall how excited most seemed to be about the New Year, 2020.  Then, how we all watched with gaping mouths when we realized what was happening throughout the earth.  How far the disease spread, and how fast our world changed.

So today, do we show our optimism, or hold our breath knowing things could always be worse?  It goes with the old question, “Is the glass half full or half empty?”

I have always thought of myself as a positive person, and on most days I am.  I think it comes from believing in hope.  Hope is a powerful word.  Reverend Robert Morris teaches, “As long as you are alive, you have hope.”  He’s right too.  What makes “hope” even more powerful is where you place it.  I place mine in Jesus Christ.  The reason why is he overcame death.  Anyone who can do that is worthy of my hope.  Also, he goes through life with me, all parts of it, and not just through the easy parts.

Hopeful people are more enjoyable to be around too.  Have you ever talked to someone who points out how everything could go wrong, and as far they are concerned it will, or already has?  You can’t wait to get away from them.  You look around for someone to call your name.

When you place your hope in God, you get encouraging words like this:

“I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.”  Jer. 29:11b (MSG)

“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.” Isa. 40:31 (NIV)

“¹ When you sit enthroned^[a] under the shadow of Shaddai,
you are hidden^[c] in the strength of God Most High.
² He’s the hope that holds me and the Stronghold to shelter me,
the only God for me, and my great confidence.
³ He will rescue you from every hidden trap of the enemy,
and he will protect you from false accusation
and any deadly curse.
⁴ His massive arms^[f] are wrapped around you, protecting you.
You can run under his covering of majesty and hide.
His arms of faithfulness are a shield keeping you from harm.
⁵ You will never worry about an attack of demonic forces at night
nor have to fear a spirit of darkness coming against you.
⁶ Don’t fear a thing!
Whether by night or by day, demonic danger will not trouble you,
nor will the powers of evil launched against you.
⁷ Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed,
you will remain unscathed and unharmed.
⁸ you will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment,
for they will be paid back for what they have done!
^9–10 when we live our lives within the shadow of God Most High,
our secret hiding place, we will always be shielded from harm.
How then could evil prevail against us or disease infect us?
¹¹ God sends angels with special orders to protect you wherever you go,
defending you from all harm.
¹² If you walk into a trap, they’ll be there for you
and keep you from stumbling.
¹³ You’ll even walk unharmed among the fiercest powers of darkness,
trampling every one of them beneath your feet!
¹⁴ For here is what the Lord has spoken to me:
“Because you have delighted in me as my great lover,
I will greatly protect you.
I will set you in a high place, safe and secure before my face.
¹⁵ I will answer your cry for help every time you pray,
and you will find and feel my presence
even in your time of pressure and trouble.
I will be your glorious hero and give you a feast.
¹⁶ You will be satisfied with a full life and with all that I do for you.
For you will enjoy the fullness of my salvation!” Psa. 91 (TPT)

So you see why we should place our hope in the Lord God Almighty?  What else can you put your hope in and have the confidence that it will sustain you?  Money?  It can be wiped away overnight.  Power? You can be replaced in the blink of an eye. Fame? A better version is just around the corner. Therefore, no matter what 2021 brings, I know my God will save me, and protect me, as long as I do my part and stay put in the refuge He has already provided.

With that proclaimed, I say to all:

Happy New Year!

It’s going to be exciting to see how God does some of his best work in my life this year.

Copyright © 2021 Mark Brady.  All rights reserved.