It’s mid-January, and I’ve seen so many memes about wanting to cancel 2021 already. Here are a few of my favorites. 

For the majority of us, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, political uproar, and disunity in America, 2020 may have felt like a dumpster fire. We were all hoping for a better year. Unfortunately, when the clock struck twelve on January 1st, nothing changed. Some of us are still experiencing hardship, the numbers of COVID-19 cases are increasing, and we witnessed history as the capital was raided by a mob. 

There is no doubt that even as a Christian, life is hard. Jesus said  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV

We have no idea what the rest of 2021 will look like, and uncertainty is SCARY! Fortunately, the bible says DO NOT BE AFRAID 365 times! One for every day of the year. When we turn our focus from the circumstances of the world and keep our gaze on Jesus, we will have peace, because he is the Prince of Peace. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV. 

I don’t know what your personal circumstances in 2020 were, but I do know that it is behind you. It is a New Year, and as they say “New Year, New You.” No matter what 2021 has in store for you, if you keep Jesus at the center of it you will be able to endure with peace of mind knowing that God is working in your circumstances for your good and His glory. You may even begin to thrive.

“Stop dwelling on the past. Don’t even remember these former things. I am doing something brand new, something unheard of. Even now it sprouts and grows and matures.” Isaiah 43:18-19 TPT

As we move forward, we can know that God not only is working things out for us, he’s working things out in us. This year you can really be a “New You” with Jesus. 

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 ESV

“I will walk the blind in an unknown way and guide them on paths they’ve never traveled. I will smooth their difficult road and make their dark mysteries bright with light. These are things I will do for them, for I will never abandon my beloved ones.” Isaiah 42:16 TPT

When we declare with our mouths and know in our hearts Jesus died and was risen for us, he deposits His spirit in us. With His strength and peace, we can pursue the year with confidence and grow in the plans God has for us no matter the circumstances of 2021. 

Here at Sea Turtle Ministries, we believe that the best way to thrive is by spending time with God in His Word. Simply spending 5 minutes a day in His word can change your life. YouVersion Bible App is a great free resource you can download from any app store. It has, if not 100’s, 1000’s of devotionals you can read FOR FREE! 

Suggested New Year’s Bible Studies on YouVersion:

  • New Year: Living with Purpose 
  • God + Goals. How to set goals as a Christian. 
  • Bible in One-Year 2021
  • Dreams Redeemed