Do you need somewhere to stake your hope in 2021?

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Somehow we seemed to think the flipping of our calendars would put 2020, with all it’s troubles behind us. But 2021 showed up, and things still seem to be spinning out of control. Maybe what we need is a fresh perspective, rather than a fresh calendar page.

For the past few years, I’ve made a practice of choosing a “Word of the Year”. I chose a word that challenged or inspired me. Last year my word was “presence”, a reminder to live fully present with God and my people wherever I found myself. Two years ago, I chose “cease striving” from Psalm 46:10 (NASB), ”Cease striving and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.” Good words. Words that helped me focus.

As I thought about a word for 2021, I needed a word that would ground me, center me. A word that goes beyond me, and what I can strive for. A word that isn’t about me at all. I considered “surrender” as a constant reminder to live open-handed. But even that seemed too measurable. Too “me - dependent”.

I needed something unshakeable I could stake my hope in.

So I chose a different kind of word. One that directs my thoughts to God alone.

  • He can do all things: “He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth. No one can hold back His hand or say to Him: "What have you done?" (Daniel 4:35 NIV)

  • He guides my life: “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.” (Psalm 57:2 ESV)

  • He rules in the affairs of nations: “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to Whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding;” (Dan 2:20-21 ESV)

  • He is not surprised at the circumstances of this world, or of my life: “Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all My purpose…I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it.” (Isa 46 10- 11 ESV)

  • No earthly trouble can de-rail God’s plan. Nor can anyone dethrone Him from His rightful place. “I know that You can do all things and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2 ESV)

  • And His sovereignty is always exercised in goodness: “The LORD is good to all, and His mercies are over all His works.” (Psalm 145:9)

These are the truths I’m clinging to. Our good God is directing the affairs of this world, and of my life. He cannot be manipulated to do things outside of His will. His sovereignty is my comfort in the swirling chaos.

All the unknowns in my life and in our crazy world, come to rest in this truth. God is Sovereign. I am not.

Again I go back to Psalm 46:10, a lesson I’m slow to learn. God will be exalted in the earth, and among the nations. And God will be exalted in my life as I let go of my frantic pursuit of control, and my need to know what comes next. 

As 2021 unfolds with all of its unanswered questions, I will rest my heart on this: "Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.” (Jer 32:17 NIV)

What about you? Where are you staking your hopes this year? Have you chosen a “word” for 2021? If so, I’d love to hear what it is!