This arduous and painful year we will forever associate with its ominous epitaph–COVID PANDEMIC 2020–is about to introduce 2021 and then crawl off the stage. But before it leaves town, all of us are considering: 1) The impacts and consequences of 2020; and 2) The new “way-of-life” for 2021 that it leaves in its wake.
That’s what we’ve been doing together all month—December’s final scene in 2020’s pandemic horror flick. The soft patter of this morning’s dousing of much-needed rain reminded me that today is 28th day of the month and just a few days from the end of 2020’s calendar. That prompted me to review the steps I take every December to LOVE GOD MORE AND FEAR LESS.
My prayer is that you join me in this personal challenge today. Let’s go!
Here are my seven steps to LOVE GOD MORE AND FEAR LESS in 2021:
STEP #1: PAIN
Realize that your pain is a disguised opportunity to help others. Make a list of the positive things God could do with the circumstances you are facing right now (2 Corinthians 12:10).
STEP #2: HOPELESSNESS
Hopelessness is a gateway to our full surrender to God. He wants us to give our whispers of hopelessness to him so he can take them out of play (Job 15:31).
STEP #3: ANGER
Our anger is a gauge for how much of our life we have YIELDED to God. Anger cannot be removed by “trying harder.” It requires God’s TRUTHS to push it out of our soul (James 1:19-20).
STEP #4: INADEQUACY
Thinking that God could never bless me is one of Satan’s lies. But God can take our worthlessness and replace it with his promise to use us in a significant way for others and his Kingdom (Isaiah 41:10).
STEP #5: FEAR
How much we fear is determined by our belief that God is in control. If we believe 100% that God will protect us, then there is no room for fear and plenty of room for our trust in him (Jeremiah 29:11).
STEP #6: CONTROL
If we think we can do anything on our own; it won’t be long before we’ll think we can do everything on our own. We should let God drive and not be a back-seat driver! (Corinthians 12:10).
STEP #7: NO SPIRITUAL GROWTH
Spiritual maturity is a life-long process of exploration and discovery. We need to take one small step today every day toward spending time with God and his Word (Ephesians 4:14-15).
FOR ME…
I ask God to give me the discipline to trust him with the new year and help me consider now how to love you more and fear less in 2021.
WHAT ABOUT YOU?
Are you considering how to love God more and fear less in 2021?
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
