This is our last inspirational post of the year. As we approach the Christmas holiday and the end of 2020, to countless millions, 2020 cannot end quickly enough. This year, many people may have said things like, “I’ll be glad when this year is over” or “I can’t wait for 2021.” But remember that at the end of 2019, as we ushered in a new year enthusiastically wishing others, “Happy New Year,” we could not and did not imagine the events that would occur in 2020. Likewise, we have no idea what 2021 will bring so perhaps we should be careful what we wish for!
Matthew 6:34 tells us, “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” and James 4:14 reminds us, “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.”
Rather than being anxious and trying to project into the unknown earthly future, let us focus on placing our complete trust in God almighty who not only knows our earthly future but has prepared a glorious eternal future for those who choose it. Relax in Him and acknowledge that He is in control. Admittedly, it can be hard, but it is in that mindset that we can put into practice the words of the timeless Christmas hymn, Silent Night and sleep in heavenly peace.
We are familiar with the expression, “sleep like a baby”. You may be thinking but what about babies waking up screaming for food or care every few hours? One writer eloquently said, “It is self-evident in the nature of babies that when they DO sleep, they do so with a peace and softness that comes from how they are protected. Yes, they can be awakened, but their sleep is untroubled.” In looking at the beautiful babies in the image, we can see that kind of sweet peace on their adorable faces. They are sleeping in heavenly peace.
They just trust and know that their needs will be provided and that they will be cared for and comforted. And they are perfectly fine with the fact that someone else is in control. That is how our relationships should be with God today, tomorrow, and going from 2020 into 2021.
Philippians 4:6-7 tells us, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
In some scripture versions, the peace that surpasses all understanding is translated beyond human comprehension. We have already overcome challenges and sorrows this year that we thought would surely break us, but they did not because we had the supernatural strength of God. Let’s determine to put our trust in the Lord going forth knowing that he cares for us and will always come through for us. Then we can sleep in heavenly peace.