As 2021 fast approaches, there is anticipation and longing for things to be different.  People are looking to leave 2020 behind and are hoping for better living in 2021. As you think about the upcoming year, what activities and life events are you looking forward to in the new year. How do you envision moving on with your life? How will you know that 2021 has brought you better living? 

In Deuteronomy 30: 2, 6, 19-20, we find a helpful reminder about what authentic living is all about. Here Moses is calling the people of Israel to live for God and notice what he writes in v19-20

19 I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life that you and your offspring may live, 20 loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”

“Choose life!” he says. And how does he explain life? Loving the LORD your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days. Moses knew that we find real life in God and not the ways of this world. Truly living occurs when we are focused only on Him and His ways. 

Did you notice the phrase, for he is your life and length of days? This means that God is your life. He is the author and creator of your life. As such, His ways are best. It also means that he is the sustainer of your life. In Him alone is the enduring power to live each day. Therefore, to look anywhere, but God alone for meaning and life is fruitless. 

So, no matter what 2021 brings, we can still choose life by living for our great and glorious God. As you look to the start of 2021, don’t put your hope in the events and activities you miss. Instead, look to God and live for Him. 

And isn’t this why Christ came? That we might be reconciled to God and live for Him and His glory!  John 10:10 tells us Jesus said, The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.

Think about that. To have life and have it abundantly doesn’t mean that we will possess all the earthly goods that we could want. Instead, it means that we can live for God, in Christ, loving Him and holding fast to Him. So, as you think about abundant living in 2021, Rejoice that Christ has come and brought you into the family of God, and then live with your mind focused on following God and being faithful to Him.