As the clock winds down the last of 2020 and the beginning of 2021 is only a few hours away, I had a nudge to look through Scripture to see where 20:21 appeared in biblical references. We know the chapter and verse headings were included in the biblical text only a few hundred years ago, but it was still an interesting look into words of hope and instruction offered for a new year that none of us can fully comprehend what will come. I was encouraged in several ways:

• No matter the depth of darkness, God is always present.

“As the people stood in the distance, Moses approached the dark cloud where God was” (Exodus 20:21).

• A worshipping people will see the goodness of God.

“After consulting the people, the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising him for his holy splendor. This is what they sang: ‘Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!’” (II Chronicles 20:21).

• Wherever we are sent, peace will be our traveling companion.

“Again, he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” (John 20:21)

• Turning to Jesus is the only hope for our world.

“I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike—the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:21).

Happy New Year!