2020 Isn’t That Bad After All

Title: 2020 Isn’t That Bad After All
Artwork by: YMI X @finding.kubi
Description: The start of this new decade may not have panned out the way we hoped it would, but that doesn’t mean 2020 has been a waste. 

All those cancelled plans, hopes, and dreams might have made us feel like we didn’t achieve anything noteworthy, but if we carefully took stock of the many different things we’ve done this year, we would see just how much we have accomplished. For some of us, it might have had time to rediscover God’s words, gained a deeper prayer life, or fostered new relationships. If we look hard enough, we’ll find something worth celebrating from this year!

God wastes nothing, and He’s working to breathe new life out of this year of desolation. For now, let’s continue to unswervingly hold fast to the hope we have in God, knowing that He who promised is faithful (Hebrews 10:23), and that He’ll bring us through the other end.

Venture into the wonders and treasures in God’s Word.

Most of us were left disappointed when our holiday plans came crashing to a halt this year and we suddenly found ourselves with much more time on our hands. While there is great pleasure in seeing the beauty of other cultures, there’s greater joy in dwelling in the house of the Lord, to gaze on His beauty and to seek Him in His temple (Psalm 27:4).

Time spent reading the Bible, praying, or doing a daily devotional will bring us into a deeper discovery of the vast treasures and hidden beauties of God and His word—an adventure that lasts a lifetime.

Rejoice in the bountiful blessings God has already given us.

Some of us may have been discouraged by redundancies, pay cuts, or lost opportunities for further studies. While there’s nothing wrong in wanting to provide for ourselves or achieve our study goals, let’s remember that we have a Provider who is able to meet our needs (Matthew 6:31-32), and that He’s pleased to give us the Kingdom (Luke 12:32). Experiencing God’s faithfulness in these trying times allows us to really know just how faithful He is in providing for us. 

Seize our God-given opportunities to sow and deepen connections.

We were saddened when tough restrictions and social distancing rules meant we couldn’t physically meet our friends and family. But in the process, we’ve also found new ways to connect with our loved ones, and perhaps for some of us, it might even have helped us reconnect with friends whom we’ve lost touch with over the years. Let’s give thanks for the opportunities God has given us to sow and deepen connections with those around us—whether near or far.

Give thanks for the protection of God in our lives.

We felt disheartened when we were unable to celebrate milestones such as weddings, birthdays, and graduation ceremonies, with the people we love. Yes, missing out on these momentous events aren’t nice, but those restrictions were first put in place to keep everyone safe. While it’s okay to feel sad about missing those events, we can also turn this on its head, and instead, praise God for His protection, keeping us and our loved ones safe during this time.

Entrust your plans to God and hold on to His loving hand.

2020 has seen us constantly reshuffling our routines, plans, and work arrangements according to the latest COVID-19 developments or government restrictions, leaving many of us feeling like we’ve lost control over our lives. But in a way, the unpredictability of our day-to-day lives has  forced us to rely on God and His bigger plans for us, which are infinitely better than our flimsy man-made ones. After all, we may plan our course, but it is God who establishes our steps (Proverbs 16:9).