Jude 24-25 – “Now to Him who is able to protect you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory, blameless with great joy, 25 to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory…”
Do you believe that God is able to keep you in His ways as you begin 2021? Do you know that the same God who created the universe and raised Jesus from the dead can keep you from falling?
There are many people who found themselves drying up inside for lack of Christian nurture and fellowship during the pandemic. It is also easy to dry up inside from being entangled in sin, pride, and self-will. When we begin to lack Christian nurture and fellowship, when we enter sin, we tend to feel overwhelmed and fearful. Our minds have become overly focused on ourselves. We are hyper aware of what is missing, and we begin to sink.
As we walk into a new year together, I want to remind us of the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus. There was a time when Jesus’ disciples were in stormy waters with waves battering the side of their boat. Jesus came walking on the water in proximity to their boat and Peter asked if he could join Jesus on the water. Jesus kept Peter walking on top of the water but then seeing the waves, Peter became frightened and began to sink. Peter then cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Immediately, Jesus reached out his hand and took hold of Peter (Matt. 14:30-31).
When the waves of life come crashing in, if we can keep our eyes on Jesus, he is able to keep us from sinking into despair or sin.
Heavenly Father, my Lord Jesus Christ, I thank you for the Holy Spirit to sustain me through the trials and temptations of life. Help me to keep my focus on you in 2021, with total confidence of your protection and sustaining grace. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.