How to Guarantee 2021 Will be an Amazing Year (No Matter What Craziness Comes Our Way!)
Many people would agree that 2020 was a challenging year. Some would go so far as to say it was the worst year ever. At the start of a new year, we are all thinking about the future, and wondering, “What will 2021 bring us?” Whether you are filled with hope or overwhelming trepidation as you step into this year, if you make this single change you can guarantee that 2021 will be an amazing year.
You may be skeptical. “How can I do something that will make such a tremendous impact on this year? I’m just one person…and 2020 had some colossal challenges. You don’t know what my family is facing! These giants are too big! How can one change help so much?”
Health concerns, fears, dissension and division, financial worries, stressors and tension, and brokenness are glaringly evident within the family, the community, the church, nationally, and globally. The giants in our lives are big—enormous—monstrous. The more we focus on our struggles, our trials, and our hurts the bigger they become, right? Worry and anxiety can jump into the driver’s seat and steer us in a dangerous direction. Is this what you want 2021 to look like?
How do we make the shift and have an amazing year no matter what craziness comes our way?
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:1-3
This is the change that guarantees 2021 will be a different year—an amazing year! What is your heart and your mind set on?
Set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God.
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
These commands seem straightforward, and they are, but the promise that comes with following these commands is often diminished or overlooked. What are the logical consequences of following these commands? Complete these if-then statements.
If I set my heart on things above, then…
If I set my mind on things above, not on earthly things, then…
Can you see the logical conclusions? The promises?
When I was praying about 2021 and thinking about what could make this year different/better, an old hymn came to my mind. Some of you may not have grown up in a tradition where hymns were sung on a regular basis, but I love the depth of Truth that many hymns retain. “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” flooded my mind and I kind of had an aha moment.
O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and freeThrough death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we areTurn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Oh, His graceHis Word shall not fail you, He promised
Believe Him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
Oh, tellTurn your eyes upon Jesus
“Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” Lyrics
Look full in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace
Click and listen to this beautiful rendition by Shane and Shane.
This one simple shift of focus to Jesus is the key. When we turn our eyes, our hearts, our minds, our attention to Jesus the things of earth grow strangely dim. That is the promise! When we focus on Him, He makes our paths straight, He carries our burdens, He lights the way, He provides wisdom, He is our strength, He is our comfort.
How can you set your heart and mind on things above in 2021? Check yourself on a regular basis and see what your mind is set on.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:8-9).
The peace of God is an amazing tangible reality that can be ours this year, if we set our minds on Jesus. When you are surfing the web, watching tv, or scrolling social media, examine your thoughts and see if they align with this verse. Setting your mind on Jesus rather than earthly things is a choice!
Also, check your heart. Does your heart beat for the things of Jesus? Are you motivated by things that matter eternally? When your heart aligns with Jesus and is set on things above, earthly things have less of a hold on you.
“If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.”
Corrie ten Boom
Making the shift for your heart and your mind to be set on things above can radically improve your perception of 2021. If you commit to this shift, you will soon realize that it’s not merely a perspective change, but it is reality. Jesus transforms. He heals. He makes new. This will be an amazing year with your focus on Jesus.
