The fireworks have stopped, and the salutations are dying down. The buildup to the New Year always comes with expectations and well wishes. But this time around, it’s been different.

This time, many anxiously waited for the clock to strike twelve so that they could turn their back on what has perhaps been the saddest year of their life. For many, there was little to celebrate in 2020. Loved ones were lost, jobs were lost, freedom was lost, plans were lost, and confidence took a big hit.

Well, the clock did strike twelve, and we are already into 2021. But what has changed?

A flip of the calendar, a list of resolutions, and good wishes are not enough to make the changes you desire. Real change comes with God. Read this:

“The Lord is with you while you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will forsake you.” (2 Chronicles 15:2)

Perhaps you do not even have any expectations for 2021 because you entered the New Year with a host of problems. If things are going terribly wrong for you, if you are struggling to make ends meet and wrestle with negativity in your mind, then perhaps you need to reevaluate your relationship with God.

Make sure you are not forsaking God – pushing Him aside in order to please yourself.

Being with God means trusting in Him enough to obey what He says. It means seeking Him and living in a way that pleases him.

Is it easy? Not always.

Is it a popular way of life? Unfortunately, not.

Is it impossible? Of course not!

Is it worth it? Just ask those who are truly living with the Lord.

For them, 2020 was a year of conquests. That’s right, they had peace when chaos was rife. They prospered when the world was in turmoil. Problems came and problems went, but they remained strong and hopeful.

That’s what happens when you are with the Lord.

Thank God that your life change doesn’t depend on the calendar because it means your change can happen here and now. If you have not been walking with God as you should, don’t feel bad and beat yourself up about it. Just change. Just seek God.

May the God of the Bible bless you.

Bishop Joshua Fonseca