Reaping Glory from 2020
Moving into 2021
There are no nice words to describe 2020. That said, I’m refusing to allow the hellish side of the past year to control my heart or shape my future outlook. Bitterness, resentment, fear — just, NO! 2020 will not rule over me.
Instead, I’m choosing to look back and dig the golden nuggets out of the muck. Below is part of a growing list. Would you consider adding to it? (post your additions in the comments!)
photo by pixabay
Worship
It flooded the interwebs. I stumbled upon more spontaneous (musical) worship sessions than I can count 2 hands. There was no lack.
Enter “The Blessing.” This timely song by Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes was a gift from God — it was meant for 2020. I had a strong yearning back in February for people across our nation to sing it as one people. Not only did that happen, but the song went viral across the entire Earth. Here are links to a few of my favorites:
- The dance version
- From Zimbabwe
- The Arab world
- Children from France
- Unique Nigeria (This gets beautifully tribal part way through)
…and so many, many more. The world not only united in worship but they essentially sang a biblical blessing over their people!
An Appeal to Heaven
While we were accosted by a plethora of meanness from the media, the world also united in prayer. I believe this, coupled with worship, shifted the atmosphere.
Different movements arose, some initiating 24/7 virtual prayer meetings. I recall signing onto Facebook to my church’s page (Gateway was part of a global initiative to unite leaders), and a church leader from Italy was facilitating that particular hour. This brought tears of joy to my eyes.
photo by pixabay
The Poor were Still in Need
While citizens proved their civility in unnecessary hoarding of food and toilet tissue, others were truly in need. The food pantry was a new experience for me, and I was super thrilled to partake — plus it allowed me to escape my house! Many people volunteered time and energy to assemble and hand out trunk loads of food. Not to mention the grocery outlets that donated goods. I’m still hooked and plan to stay involved.
“2020 vision”
Clarity and Benefits:
- Society Clarity. Many, including myself, began to see through the media’s false narrative (Enough said.).
- Deep Clarity. We got a taste of just how deep the Deep State really is. US citizens needed to see this for themselves. It has stirred up a healthy sense of patriotism.
- Medical Clarity. More people are alive than originally predicted by medical experts regarding the pandemic. Hmmm.
- Regeneration Benefits. Lots of babies were born (time well spent for some couples “stuck” at home).
- Me Benefits. Personally, I found out what was really in my heart when the world shut down and tried to cover my mouth. What bad habits would I choose to succumb to and what bad behaviors would I rise above?
- Human Clarity. Did you keep your love on toward all people? Did you voice your unsolicited opinion online — and not give a crap if it offended viewers? Did you strive for peace amid riots and passivity amid religious and political arguments? Did you stand up for the underdog or side with the bulldogs? Did you hold tight to your God-convictions or did you slip into despair because God let you down?
Some introspection is healthy, and even necessary, as long as we avoid setting up camp.
photo by unsplash
Patriots and Passion
Patriots. True American patriots rose up across the nation. I think if all were placed on a scale that the Brave Hearts would far outweigh the Benedict Arnolds.
Passion. God’s lavish love prevailed. Here are few things that I’m thankful never changed in 2020:
- I have the richest Father in the universe.
- God never left or forsook me.
- His thoughts toward me were always good.
- He is and was the kindest Person in the cosmos.
- He can still heal any disease/infirmity.
- He can get back everything that 2020 stole from me.
- He has all wisdom, and His methods and ways never failed.
- He is and was accessible 24/7.
- He can restore what’s missing and fix what’s broken.
- He helped me to think and see straight when I felt like I was going crazy (Romans 12:1-2, renewed mind).
- None of my enemies overpowered or outwitted God in 2020.
Healthy Minds Thrive on Thankful Attitudes
I discovered that being thankful in all circumstances lessened the impact of the loss and damage of 2020. So I’m choosing to stop rolling my eyes and be grateful for the small things, for I know that God means it when He says He rewards those who persevere.
Have you planned how to start your 2021? Here’s a thought:
“…But kindness and truth come to those who make plans to be pure in all their ways.”
Proverbs 14:22 (The Passion Translation)
Father in Heaven, thank You for the Light of Christ that destroyed the works of the devil and darkness. Thank you that this Light that was, is, and always leads us into Your provision and blessing. The Son is truly the only Way to the God the Father.
Sowing Seeds of Bravery to leave 2020 with Blessing
