2020 vision is both a medical term and a metaphor often used in fundraising types of campaigns for the last 20 or so years. After the 2020 we all had, I’m now thinking of “2020 vision” with more clarity than before.
Only God knows
What 2020 clearly confirmed anew for me is—only God knows the how and why of life’s Grand Narrative. Politicians don’t know. Pandemic experts don’t know. Financial analysts don’t know. I, as a professional counselor don’t know. People, in general, don’t know. None of us have perfect vision that explains why things are the way they are and how they will or will not work out. God alone knows His Grand Narrative.
A no-brainer
That’s a no-brainer, right?! Yet, many of us as humans like to know what’s going to happen and how we can best prepare and protect ourselves. A certain amount of planning is important and good. But, we pride ourselves on our false sense of security—the 2020 vision we mistakenly think we have. Then, when that vision and our plans don’t come to pass as expected, we’re left wondering who to blame. Ourselves? Others? God?
James 4:13-15
As I look back on 2020, I’m meditating on James 4:13-15, which says:
“Look here, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we are going to a certain town and will stay there a year. We will do business there and make a profit.’
“How do you know what your life will be like tomorrow? Your life is like the morning fog—it’s here a little while, then it’s gone.
“What you ought to say is, ‘If the Lord wants us to, we will live and do this or that.’
“Otherwise you are boasting about your own pretentious plans, and all such boasting is evil.”
2021 plans
In 2021, I’m going to continue working to accept the truth that I cannot predict the future and do not need to over-plan. Instead of my usual over-planning, I will practice the wisdom of James 4:15 and say “if the Lord wants me to, I will live and do this or that.”
This seems to me to be a way more realistic approach to planning for an unknown future—to rest in the certainty of “if the Lord wants me to.” This will take supernatural strength, which God also provides, so there again, I don’t need to worry; I just need to trust and move forward in faith, believing what will be, will be.
Gratitude
Along with committing to a James 4:15 mindset, I’m also carrying into 2021 gratitude for all the ways that God revealed His plans and purposes in 2020. I could share a long list of blessings, but I will only name one here. God clearly showed me in 2020 how He is working in my career life to equip me and move me to the places He wants me to be. I am excited to join Liberty University Online as an Associate Professor of counseling beginning January 1, 2021.
What a year, Lord! Thank you!!
In closing
How might you apply James 4:13-15 to your life in 2021?
What are you grateful for as you move into the new year?
Whatever your Bible verse, or blessings, or other meaningful motivators, I hope for you and me both, a spiritually eye-opening 2021. I hope for us that whatever 2020 vision may have ever meant to us, that we now have a greater understanding than before and an increasing peace with living life to its fullest, one day at a time.
Thanks for reading!
With gratitude,
Shannon
PS: The singing group For King and Country continues to be an inspiration to me. In thinking about the truth that “only God knows,” I thought of their hit song and video. Below, you’ll find two links, one to their original video and one to their duet version with another of my favorites, Dolly Parton. Watch and be encouraged.
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