I know that at the end of the year, most of us spend some time reflecting on the past year. But this year, I’ve been thinking lots about life since that fateful year of 2020. So much has happened. And I’ve learned a whole lot. Here are some thoughts that could help you think through a few things since the year of all years:
1. One way or another, what is hidden will be brought to the light
I think this is a painful reality. Many of us skirt around issues, preferring to ignore than to discuss, let alone confront. Of course, we all need to have wisdom when speaking about certain hot button topics. Some things are just better off unsaid. While other things really must be talked about. Wisdom dictates which one is which and when.
But one thing that 2020 did was uncover a lot of festering ideology. It’s been sitting there for years, growing in the darkness in hushed whispers. Conversations would only be had with particular people. However, 2020 brought it all into the light.
My big takeaway from all of this, is that Truth is not only divisive, but it can be painful. Close friends and family decided to break off any kind of relationship based on political leanings (or more accurately stated, moral convictions). No longer could we ignore obvious beliefs which bled into our politics (as they should). Rather, everything was out in the open. Sides were taken, and if you dared to speak against the cultural norms of your family/tribe/friends, you were frequently ostracized. You were called awful names that aren’t worth repeating.
At least that’s been the case for me. But as I’ve reflected on this, the LORD has reminded me that we shouldn’t be surprised when our family and friends reject us for having Biblical convictions:
Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. Luke 12:51-53
My word this has been hard. But again, this should not be a surprise.
2. Thank God we know now what we know
Although it’s been painful, I’m so thankful that many things have been brought to the light. Sin grows unchecked in the dark. However, when light is allowed in, sin can be exposed and taken care of. Or minimally, we can see what we may not have initially been aware of.
I’m currently almost finished with Shepherds for Sale (Book Review coming soon!). Although I’ve suspected many of the things happening in the evangelical church that Basham wrote about (how and why C0Vid was handled the way it was, sanctity of life, LGBTQ, etc), I had no idea the extent of the problems we faced. But again, thank the LORD we now know what we know. It’s as if there’s been an earthquake, and only the solid things have been left in place. Earthquakes are not fun. However, the shaking exposes those things that are foundational and what are most important.
This applies to not only our religious institutions but also in each and every one of us. I’m thankful that I was forced to question many things that I never even thought to. They say ignorance is bliss, but I’d say this is woefully untrue pertaining to these last few years. For example, I’m so glad there were some of us who stopped to question the experts and our leaders. Often in the past, I either didn’t question or pushed aside any apprehensions I may have had in favor of trusting the experts. No more.
3. God has not, is not, and will never be, shocked
I know that sometimes I look back at my life and think, really God? Why that? Or why not that other thing? It seems as if life would have been so much better if only this, that, or the other happened. But they didn’t. And we’re left with a less than desirable outcome. Or minimally, an unexpected outcome.
Thankfully, we have so many beautiful stories of how the LORD allows twists and turns in people’s lives, and weaves everything together into an incredible masterpiece (when we let Him). I think one of the best examples of this is in the story of A Severe Mercy. I remember reading that book ages ago. It took a couple of tries, but a friend insisted it was a good story. I couldn’t just stop reading after the first 10 or 15 pages, I was told. I normally would have ignored the advice and not continued to read (admittedly, it has a slow start), but for whatever reason I decided to try again. And I’m so thankful I did!
I won’t give away all of the details here, however, I’ll just say that life can be incredibly difficult, confusing, and even cruel. But my Word, the mercy of God runs deep, and wide, and can leave you with a profound sense of awe. The dance between our will and His sovereignty is beyond my grasp and understanding. But we can all have peace that although we don’t serve a tame God, He is good (reference to C.S. Lewis’s The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe).
Is it really almost 2025?
Who knows what 2025 will bring. I pray for prosperity, health, and drawing closer to Christ. But obviously, no one can predict with 100% accuracy what the future holds. But we know Who holds the future, and therefore, we don’t have to fear.
I remember making one of our sons who struggled with fear at night memorize this Scripture:
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.Isaiah 41:10
Seems like the perfect verse to end this post and this year with. Happy New Year everyone! See you in 2025!
