|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Beneath The Shadow Of The Cross"1 (Lyrics) |
Zephaniah 3:17 – The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing. (NIV)
The year 2020 and COVID-19 have surely given me a new perspective on many things. Let's step back a bit to 2019. We had a family vacation, and I was able to visit family in California and in England. Those three events gave me memories and photos that are priceless. At the time, I had no idea what 2020 had in store: a cancelled family vacation, cancelled trips to celebrate family birthday milestones, and on and on the list goes. Consequently, we have learned the true meaning of "staycation".
From the posts that I have read on social media, in our bubbles, we have all made memories that are priceless. Yes, we may have been tempted to pop our bubbles to escape, but as the months have passed, we have become more resilient. We have also had to say goodbye to loved ones in ways that we never thought possible.
We don't know what 2021 has in store, but personally, I know that for us in our bubble, Jesus is the centre. I plan to hold onto the saying, "If not now, when?" that has carried me through 2020 into 2021. I want to live each day in the peace and knowledge that my Redeemer lives. I plan to step out more in faith in ways that continue to practice safe social distancing and to remain grounded in my bubble until such a time as it is safe to embrace the new normal.
Let's take some time to search our hearts and celebrate all the ways that Jesus has shown up for us in 2020. I am sure that He will reveal those times to us if we take the time to sit with Him and reflect. Even if 2020 presented as a sadness to you, I am sure that Jesus will reveal to you that He was, in fact, with you through the difficult and dark days.
Can you and I rest, knowing that it is okay not to know what is in store, but to trust and believe? Let's walk in the truth of the following psalm:
Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. (NIV)
Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, that You are our centre. Jesus, as we embark on this coming year, help us to grow in Your love and share with boldness what You have done in our lives to reveal Yourself in this past year. In Your name, we pray. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Thursday, April 18, 2024 – In East Asia — Pray for more partners who become trainers in our house church planting network in East Asia. We are asking God for around ten of these trainers for each district in our region. May the Lord grant them courage in their next step of faith.
stressful travel ahead: "April 17, 2024: Please pray that our upcoming travel will be okay. A few problems have arisen with..." 
May it be so, Julie.
Found your reflections meaningful and helpful.
Thank you for a realistic but positive devotional.
Thank you, Julie, for this excellent example and counsel.
Thank you, Julie, for sharing this encouraging devotional with us. Blessings.
Great post Julie, very timely for many. Reminds us to look forward with hope. God bless!
What an uplifting devotional.
Julie, thank you for the reassuring reminder that we have a strengthening peace within us, and to be so thankful for Jesus.
Stay safe and well.
(ON)
Julie, how wonderful to be uplifted by your calming and encouraging words.
I appreciate the assurance and challenge.
What a positive suggestion to spend time reflecting on ways God has been with me throughout 2020.
May we each grow in His love and share confidently how He has been at work in and around us.
So thankful for your message!
Hello Julie,
Very mindful devotional you have delivered. Yes, we must go forward in 2021 with our faith and trust that our Lord has the best of care and direction for our lives.
Sometimes we may question why certain things are happening in our lives but in the end, we find the Lord’s plans have been for the best outcome.
Blessings for writing and may your 2021 desires be fulfilled.
(B.C.)
All I can say in response to your insightful message is Amen.