By now you’ve probably said it and heard it said, “Happy New Year!”  As 2020 has ended and 2021 begins, everyone hopes to have a happy new year.  As so many people are anxious to put 2020 behind them it is good for us to remember; none of us know what 2021 holds for us.  The inspired writer wrote, “Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).  But we don’t have to worry about what lies ahead!  There are some things we can do to ensure we have a good year in 2021.

First, we ought to YEARN for God’s word.  Yearn can be defined as an intense longing or desire.  A strong craving.    We ought to determine to make daily Bible study a part of our lives.  Not because Bible study is a daily chore.  No!  Not at all.  We ought to make daily Bible study a part of our lives because of the blessings it provides.  The scriptures provide hope for mankind (Romans 5:14); enable us to have faith (Romans 10:17); provide comfort (I Thessalonians 4:18).

Second, we ought to ENDURE our trials.  Every year has its struggles, its difficulties.  This year will be no exception.  James wrote that the trying of our faith produces patience (James1:2-4).  Any afflictions suffered in this life are light in comparison to the eternal glory of heaven (II Corinthian3 4:16-18).  Our trials cannot separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:35-39).  Paul reminded those in the church at Galatia that, whatever life may bring, we should never grow weary in well-doing (Galatians 6:9-10).

Third, we ought to ACKNOWLEDGE our responsibility to others.  We are to let our lights shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven (Matthew 5:13-16).  We are to love all men, even our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48).  We are to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matthew 7:12).  We are to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:1-2).  We are to support, not criticize, the weak (I Thessalonians 5:14).

Fourth, we ought to REMEMBER our greatest need. God did not send an economist into the world.  He would have if our greatest need was financial health. Nor a scientist.   He would have if our greatest need was advanced technology.  Nor a professor.  He would have if our greatest need was secular knowledge or worldly wisdom.  God sent a Savior.  He sent His Son because our greatest need was, and always will be, deliverance from our bondage of sin (Romans 6:16-22).

Happy New Year everyone!