Positive.  The word no one has wanted to hear this year.  We test, we wait, and then we have tried to move forward with all that “testing positive” has meant.  

Perhaps like me you are sharing the pain and grief of a loved one lost.  Maybe you are burdened by the major adjustments that have had to be made.  You’re trying to handle the separation, the isolation, the sanctions in place.  There has appeared to be no rhyme or reason at times to much of what this year has brought.  Juggling it all has been exhausting.  

Society is not functioning the way it has been, and it may never again. 2020 changed everything.  How do we respond to that? How do we move forward?  The emotions are raw, the frustration is real, the pain and grief can be overwhelming.  

But wait. God has a “positive” that works in our favor. Grabbing hold of the Truth of His great love for us will get us through.  It overshadows all the negatives and envelopes us in peace. His love has given us great Truth and beautiful, powerful promises that make a way.  

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”  John 14:27 

Be comforted.  Be encouraged.  Be expectant!  This is the time to lean into Jesus and see Him do some amazing things. We are living in unprecedented times.  But it only means the time for Jesus to come for His children is nearer than ever.   These times may bring great persecution, great suffering, great confusion.  But they can also bring great joy!  

Don’t be deceived; be discerning.  Allow the Word of God and the Spirit of God to guide

you and provide the wisdom needed to see things clearly and respond in the way God

would have us to.

 

Don’t be afraid; be full of faith. Do not allow yourself to believe that God is not aware, is

not at work, is not with you, just because you may not be able to always see it or feel it! 

It’s just not true. Give Him every chance to make His peace and presence known.  

Don’t dismiss all the other “positives” that have come out of this time...look for them, dwell on them.  They’re there if we open our eyes.  Focus on being grateful.  

Don’t just resign yourself in defeat and discouragement to something you cannot 

change.  God has a bigger and better plan. Choose to search it out and seek Him in it 

all. 

His peace is available.  And we need it...peace for the “positives”. For those of us that have trusted Jesus, He is our peace.  Make it a reality every day.  Live in it.  Share it.  Praise Him for it. Let it settle your heart, calm your fears, and bring you renewed hope and resolve in 2021.   

That’s a positive we can gladly accept and rest in.