Theme for 2021: No Fear

Some people do new year’s resolutions, but for the last several years, I’ve prayed about a theme for the new year. Several ideas came to mind, but this one has kept coming back to me: No Fear.

In 2020, fear seemed to wrack our country and the world because of a pandemic. Although some wishfully hope that a new year will flip a switch and begin a clean page, troubles will more than like stick with us. After all, we live in a fallen world, broken by sin.

What we can control is our response to problems, and that’s where this theme comes in. I John 4:18 says:

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (NKJV, emphasis added).

The Antidote to Fear: Love

Do you know the love that verse talks about? A few verses prior reveals the context:

And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son as Savior of the world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him (I John 4:14-16).

The reason we can live without fear is that God sent His Son Jesus to defeat sin and fear and death. All we have to do is accept Him as the Son of God and our Savior. Then, we can experience the love He lavishes on us.

Again, that love won’t exempt us from trials and tough times in this life, but it will give us solid footing for facing them. The assurance of God’s love and presence equips us to move forward with His peace guarding our hearts and minds against the fears that might otherwise entrap us.

The Choice to Live in Faith

I’m not immune to fear. Right now, I can list at least two huge questions I have about 2021. These two big unknowns can either gnaw the ground out from under me or give me something to commit to God in faith.

For today, I’ll just share one: Last June, I signed with the Blythe Daniel Agency to represent me on a new project. I am so honored to be part of this agency, which truly was a long-awaited answer to prayer in itself.

Now, I have several book proposals out for consideration, but so far, I’m still waiting for an open publishing door. I had truly hoped to have a contract before the end of 2020, but that didn’t happen. Will a door open for publication in 2021? Or will I continue to actively wait and work? I am so eager for you, my readers and friends, to see my next book in print, but I must remember God’s timing is not my own.

You could probably share one or two of your own questions, doubts, or fears about what the new year might hold.

I get it. Life is rarely easy, and I have no doubt 2021 will bring its share of challenges. But you and I get to choose how we respond to them.

I choose no fear. What about you?

~ Kristen