2020: Clear Vision or Hindsight?

The number or phrase “2020” can refer to a number of things vision related. Physically, it means having perfect vision. Another phrase, “hindsight is 2020”, refers to the idea that we see or understand a situation better looking back on it than we did in the moment. Last year was expected to be a year of clear vision (because of the number) and many were disappointed at the massive curve balls thrown our way. We definitely didn’t see that coming! But I think it was a year of clear vision, not because the path was laid out before us clearly, but because it cleared our vision.

 

Deuteronomy 4:35, 39 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

You were shown these things so that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him…Therefore know today, and take it to your heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth below; there is no other.

 

One of the main things last year showed us is what is really important. Only when everything is stripped from us do we see what really matters. Life really boils down to faith, family and friends. We saw how greatly important, valuable and necessary faith is. We really can’t make it through without it, and that is evident in the very sad truth that so many people took their lives out of despair over the circumstances of last year. Our faith is what gets us through and drives away fear, and we need to share that faith with others so they can have the hope, joy and security that we feel even in the midst of great uncertainty.

 

Galatians 6:2 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.

Psalm 133:1 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brothers to live together in unity!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up! Furthermore, if two lie down together they keep warm, but how can one be warm alone? And if one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three strands is not quickly torn apart.

 

Relationships are also important. We need and depend on each other and that has never been so evident as last year. The support and love we get from family and friends is also vital in getting us through difficulties. Whether it is help getting groceries, a caring phone call, or sharing that last roll of toilet paper, the care and concern of others gives us a boost that encourages us to keep going.

 

Ephesians 6:12 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

1 Peter 5:8 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

 

Last year also showed us what the true battle was, and who we are really fighting against. So much evil was revealed that it became obvious; our divisions go so much deeper than political views or skin color. There is an enemy at work within us, our churches and our communities trying to divide and destroy us. He is actively working to tear us apart, within and without. The real battle is in our hearts, in the spiritual realm, and we need to fight it spiritually with prayer and faith, not with signs and memes.

 

John 6:51 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I am the living bread that came down out of heaven; if anyone eats from this bread, he will live forever; and the bread which I will give for the life of the world also is My flesh.

John 10:10 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that they would have life, and have it abundantly.

John 12:46 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I have come as Light into the world, so that no one who believes in Me will remain in darkness.

 

Because Christmas was so different for many of us, I think it also helped us to realize, focus on or remember what Christmas was really about. It’s not about presents or even family gatherings, but about Jesus coming to sacrifice Himself for our sins. It is about His love for us so great that He willingly died so we could be forgiven. He came to defeat death and the devil once and for all. He came to bring us light, life, peace and hope, and those were things we need so desperately after last year.

 

2020 looked very differently from what anyone expected. While it may not have been clear in the moment, I believe it served to clear our vision about a lot of things.

 

What do you see, and are you seeing clearly? What is important to you? Do you see and understand the truth? Are you fighting the spiritual battle at hand with prayer and faith? Ask God to help you see more clearly, to lift the veil from your eyes so you can see the truth about life and what is really happening.