Living for a Different Day ~ Reflections at the end of the year

A new year quickly approaches. In the past few days, I have enjoyed several conversations and some down time with friends and family. In some of those conversations, I have detected the familiar “good ol’ days” theme. Not the olden days of years gone by, but instead, the good old days of 2019/early 2020 prior to COVID. People have reflected on life pre-COVID. These conversations and, particularly, this theme touched deeply in my soul as well. As we have maneuvered our way, at times very clumsily, through the past nineteen months, I think there could easily be a theme of remembering the good old days of 2019. In fact, maybe you could say at times, it seems like people are living for a different day. A day that is past and continues to slither deeper in our memory. Let me share a few reflections on this theme today as a hopeful means of encouragement.

Oh 2019, how we enjoyed you.

At this point, it seems like 2019 was a different life. Certainly, 2019 was a different season of our lives – individually and collectively. There are aspects of 2019 for which I deeply long. A person. Various relationships, in fact. Specific people who are now gone. Less concern. Much less anxiety as a people. Simpler church life. More freedom. Healthy economy. Wide-open commerce. Filled shelves. Much cheaper fuel. Much less restrictions. Time with others to spare. Normal sickness, diseases, and health concerns.

Are you with me?

I have heard so many simply say, “I hate COVID.”

Do you blame them?

In my mind, COVID has changed lives and living much like 9/11 changed lives and living. As I travel, I still hear people reflect on the days before 9/11. Yes, I understand. Similarly, as a people we also can reflect on the good old days before COVID.

Outside of faith in the providence of God, we would all easily slip into living for 2019. Is it possible to go back? Many would. Maybe even the closing days of 2018 would work as well. I remember the sweet joys of living, deep conversations, a hug or two, in-person smiles, and the sense of freedom that went along with those things. And, to be honest, things we did not know how much we would miss.

Hating 2020-2021

Time did not stand still. God’s providence brought about significant physical, political, social, and spiritual change. Almost all Americans know terms like coronavirus, people like Dr Fauci, and significant life interruptions. The depth of suffering seems indescribable. Physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering has not simply happened around us but has happened to us.

Health crisis.

Mental crisis.

Emotional crisis.

Spiritual crisis.

Significant change.

People we know have died. Others have been sick. Still others suffer with incredible anxiety. People of all ages, especially the older and the young, suffer under the burden of anxiety. Depression soars.

Although many would never admit it out loud, many people have suffered spiritually. It is easy to question God’s plan and wonder what is going on in light of it. Even those of us who many would consider quite mature in the faith have had moments of discouragement, discontentment, and despair.

Last year we often heard, “I am so done with 2020.”

Guess what I have been hearing most recently… “I am so done with 2021.”

No rock-throwing here. It is easy to land in this place. People desire normal – 2019 normal in fact. But will we ever return to that kind of normal?

Oh 2022, how we long for you.

If we are not careful, we can tie our hope into another year. Oh 2022, how we long for you! We want relief from the burdens and suffering of 2019-2020, and, if we are not careful, place our hope in 2022.

A new year – which means new hope, new glimmer, new anticipation, and so on.

Bring it on!

To be honest, most of us would not say that we believe there is anything magic about 2022; instead, we strongly desire change and posit those hopes in a new year.

Living for a Different Day

Friend, 2019, although enjoyable, is not the day for which we are to live.

In a similar way, 2022 is not either. If you place your hope in 2022, you will again be disappointed. A day on the calendar will never hold the weight of all our hope.

Instead, we must place our hope in Jesus Christ. We choose to trust God as our covenant faithful God. We trust God with today, tomorrow, and live for a different day.

What day?

The day of Jesus’ return. The angel promised Jesus’ return (Acts 1:11). Jesus said that He will come again (John 14:3). In the twinkling of an eye, Jesus could return, possibly today (1 Cor 15:50-52).

We long and hope for that day. I’ll have more on this hope in an upcoming blog. But for today, suffice it to say, we long for the future day of Christ.

Until then, we must remember Jesus’ words to the disciples, “In this world you will have trouble / tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Friends, we are living in the world of trouble. Possibly, this is the very trouble that marks the birth pangs of the return of Christ (cf., Matthew 24:4-8).

So what do we do? We anchor our hope in Christ and strive to be faithful to Him.

Is it easy to live for 2019? Yes. Very easy.

Is it easy to live for 2022 as we imagine it or desire it to be? Yes, it is easy to do that as well.

Yet, we need to embrace today for what is on our plate, seek to understand and honor God in the midst of it, and long for that future day with Him.

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Cor 15:58)