2020 is OVER! Woohoo!! As soon as that clock struck Midnight, I think we all shared in the excitement of starting a new year (especially after following a year like we just had.) When you think about a New Year, there are so many things that can be included with it: new opportunities, new plans, new goals for the year. We might be able to see new places, try new things, or meet new people. However, 2021 might also present unique challenges, obstacles, and struggles that we will have to face. In this time of change, it is easy for us to get caught up in all of this “new,” both good and bad. While we are possibly eager or anxious about the changes coming our way, it is important to remember that we have one constant that will never change: GOD.
At the beginning of the book of Revelation, John gives a statement of God that we have probably heard many times before. He writes, “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is and who was and who is to come’” (1:8). While we might just read these words and move on to the next verse without much thought, I encourage us all to take a moment and think about what this is telling us. God is (in the present), was (in the past), and is to come (will continue to be in the future). Our God is not bound by time like we are. He is present at all times, all the time. From before the beginning to the present day and into the future, God will remain the same.
As we are entering this new year, with all of its changes and unknowns, I pray that we all can cling to these words of God. When we come across some new challenges this year, remember that God is the same Almighty God that protects and strengthens His people (1 Peter 1:3-5; Psalm 46:1). When we need forgiveness of our sins in this new year, remember that God is the same loving and merciful God He has proven Himself to be throughout all time (Exodus 34:6-7; 2 Corinthians 1:3; 1 John 4:8). In this new year, I challenge us all to look for God in the changes we experience, knowing that He will always be the God that “is, was, and is to come.” 2021 may be a new year, but we serve the same awesome God!