Are you happy that 2020 is only days from being over? Almost everyone hopes that as the sun rises on 2021, we’ll have a better year. What would “better” look like for you? For me, it would include:

• no COVID
• no civil unrest
• no social injustice
• a healing of the political divide
• small businesses not only surviving but thriving
• freedom to see my loved ones whenever I want
• freedom to go where I want when I want without restrictions

Yet to expect all these things to happen as the calendar turns to 1/1/21 isn’t realistic. But that doesn’t mean 2021 can’t be better starting on New Year’s Day. Adjusting some of those beliefs can make that happen. And, adapting them to fit the real world doesn’t have to be depressing.

Learning to expect reality can be liberating. It sets us free from fear because we can start preparing mentally and physically for whatever scares me most. The Bible describes that freedom in John 16:33. It says:

These things I have spoken to you so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

Circumstances don’t have to change for peace to preside in our hearts. When we read the concepts Jesus set forth in His Word, they transform us in ways that strengthen us to face the real world.

That’s why we need to spend time reading the Bible. It provides true and powerful insights into how we can live better. While in this world, we can expect trials and challenges that need to be overcome. Sometimes they make us cry and grieve our hearts. Yet in Christ we can find the strength necessary to persevere. Adjusting our expectations to reflect the reality of 2021 may mean:

• people I love could still get COVID; some could die. Yet with the new vaccines, hopefully they’ll stay safe and the freedom to spend time with loved ones and go places will improve as the risk of serious illness and death subsides.
• the political divide may increase if people remain entrenched in their views instead of working together toward solutions. The results could lead to an increase in violence.
• racial injustice may continue and well-intentioned yet naive efforts to correct the problems may inflict pain in unexpected ways—reverse discrimination, ineffective efforts to stem chaos, the innocent reaping the consequences of troublemakers.
• the poverty inflicted by the shutdown of our economy may continue to get worse leaving more homeless and hungry.

So, how can anyone have peace in the midst of such harsh predictions? Did Jesus know what He was talking about? The answer is “Yes.”

Peace comes from expectations that correspond to reality, then keeping the bigger picture in mind. God’s word shows us that from the beginning of time, there has been injustice, illness leading to death, and differing views resulting in fierce battles. But Scripture doesn’t leave us there. It shows us God’s kingdom–a flourishing realm regardless of trouble, a kingdom that involves all of eternity.

In comparison, this realm is but a moment in time. And during this moment, the Church (all Christians) can and should work together in unity to offer creative solutions to the problems. Most comforting of all is our Creator’s deep abiding love, no matter our age or status or abilities. His response to faith and prayer gives us hope and courage. And, when everything in this world fails us, we can still trust the goodness of the One who not only created the Sun to rise at dawn, but also raises the dead.

Trust in Christ can lead to peace and a better year in 2021. May you find the God of the Bible your source of hope and comfort regardless of circumstances. And may that give you a happy new year.