The End is Near!
As we near the end of 2020, we should remember that at the same time last year we were happy that 2019 was ending and we were welcoming 2020 with hopes and dreams.
Hope seems to be the general attitude year after year. Having hope is good, but aimless hope is a waste of time. We should always hope and expect love, peace, health and prosperity fully understanding what it is that we are hoping for.
Great (Misguided) Expectations
Although at the end of 2019 we hoped for love, peace, health and prosperity for 2020, the attitude of many were far away from their words.
Love
Many allowed the media with their narrative of divisiveness – and politics – to fill their hearts with anger for anyone with a different opinion. I saw neighbors against neighbors, friends against friends and families breaking-up because of this nonsense.
Stop being angry, put aside rage,
and don’t be upset — it leads to evil.
Psalm 37:8
Peace
Many hoped for peace, but took to the streets to injure their fellow citizens, burning buildings and destroying what they didn’t build.
“How blessed are those who make peace!
for they will be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9
Health
Many were severely affected by the Chinese virus and many lost loved ones in 2020. Many did not exercise a single day, ate whatever, and treated their bodies as a trash can. The case numbers for mental health skyrocketed. Due to shutdowns, loneliness and despair delivered an increase in suicides.
Or don’t you know that your body is a temple for the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) who lives inside you, whom you received from God? The fact is, you don’t belong to yourselves; for you were bought at a price. So use your bodies to glorify God.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Where Did We Go Wrong?
The trend of wanting and hoping for love, peace, health and prosperity will live-on. The same people will – out of their mouths – say that’s what they hope for. But, is that really what they hope for? I think not. We went wrong when we started focusing on the blessings (love, peace, health and prosperity) and ignoring the One who blesses.
What Can We Do?
If you really want to be blessed in 2021, your hope MUST be properly placed on the LORD and accompanied with actions. Only the LORD can deliver love, peace, health and prosperity. He is love, and peace is His shalom. When it comes to health, realize that you have absolutely no control over your next heart beat or if you will enjoy your next breath. However, hoping for health is not a strategy. You must eat good food and exercise. Do your part on what is possible. But, understand that when it comes to the impossible, that’s up to the LORD and no one else.
Don’t be afraid, for I am with you;
don’t be distressed, for I am your God.
I give you strength, I give you help,
I support you with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Prosperity
I left this one for last for a reason. Although money is a part of it, prosperity is not about money. Prosperity is about you. It is the measure of you as a whole. The world defines prosperity as the flourishing, thriving, good fortune and social status that produces wealth and factors like happiness and health. But, prosperity is a lot more than that.
Indeed, what will it benefit a person if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life?
Mark 8:36
So, when you hope for prosperity, you should be hoping for life.
Yeshua said, “I AM the Way — and the Truth and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through me.
John 14:6
Shifting from the world’s definition to the biblical definition of prosperity will change everything in 2021. Understanding that Yeshua is Life is understanding that desiring the One who blesses is desiring prosperity itself. When your hope is in Him, He Himself will provide you with everything you need.
Conclusion
The desire, wishful thinking and hope the world presents is fake. Get back to the basics – The Bible and what it says about each of the things you hope for. Your hopes will come with some needed behavioral changes and expectations for you. So, understand that this is a commitment between you and the LORD. But, this is REAL. Unlike the prosperity gospel nonsense and the world’s definition of what prosperity is – this is about you and your own relationship with the LORD. You will not be able to fake that with Him. So, stop playing a part and acting like a believer, and start believing.
Wishing each and everyone of you and your families, A 2021 filled with the LORD and His blessings.
Shalom,
Rabbi Douglas