2021, It’s raining outside. The sky is cloudy and gray. I sit down and take a deep breath. Where do I start? Where do I go? What should I feel? What should I think?.. God, talk to me!
Gazing off, it came to me. Simple, short, and so clear:
“Remain in Me!“
Suddenly, I know what to do. I write this sentence on the tablet of my heart. I hold it firm. For 2021, and beyond.
“Remain in Me”
I turn to John chapter 15 to internalize the depth of these words. “Remain in me, and I in you.” The question that comes up is how do I remain in God?!
“God is love, and the one who remains in love remains in God, and God remains in him.”
I have the answer! Remain in love. This is my motto for 2021, since this year is more uncertain than any other so far. Maybe some of us have a gut-churning feeling with the thought of the future, maybe even fear! I have to admit, it hits me too sometimes – that weird feeling in my stomach. But in 1st John it tells us very clearly: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.”
When we are afraid, we are not in perfect love. It also means we are not fully in God. When Jesus says, “Remain in me,” he is also saying to not leave any room for fear in your heart. Fear is not of God, therefore also, not of His children. A verse from Timothy confirms this, “For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Jesus knew that His children would experience difficult times. He knew that we would face headwinds, that is why He also said this: “In the world you will have tribulation…” Through His Word we have been prepped for these times. That means difficulties shouldn’t surprise us! Nothing should surprise us. Have we forgotten that we are not of this world?!
“These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world. “
In summary: To remain in God is to remain in perfect love. Perfect love drives out all fear. Therefore, we should be of good cheer, because Jesus has already overcome the world. We can enjoy HIS peace. All year round! Yes, even in 2021! Does it seem impossible to us? That’s a fact! Because the peace of God is beyond understanding!
If fear creeps into our hearts this year, let us act quickly and return to perfect love. To God. To His peace. So let’s not leave the door open for the devil, but rather remain in victory over our feelings.
How comforting is it to read Jesus’ declaration of love for 2021: “Just as the Father has loved Me, I also have loved you; remain in My love.”
HE LOVES US! If I take it in, I could just start crying. His love touches me deeply! In 2021, I want to love Him even more and remain in His perfect love! I can approach this year with no fear and completely relaxed! How awesome is that!
I would like to encourage all of us to walk in love and bring light into this world!
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