“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding; Daniel 2:20-21
At the beginning of 2020, I chose Daniel 2:20-21 as verses to memorize and meditate upon during the year. Here we are at the end of 2020, and I don’t know of more accurate verses to sum up the year.
It does not take us long to think or be engaged in conversation with someone to realize 2020 will be a year to remember. The year began with a swelling awareness of an Asian virus called Covid-19, but we had no idea how that swell would come to America like a tsunami. The Covid-19 virus has “changed times” for all of us. The virus has dramatically altered how we go about our daily and weekly routines. During the early stages of voluntary stay-at-home orders and then states mandates, many cried, “I can’t wait until we get back to normal.” Here we are nine months later, and getting back to “normal” or “the way things used to be” is not possible. Covid-19 is forever a marker of how events change times. It is similar to pre-9/11 and post-9/11. Now it will be pre-Covid-19 and post-Covid-19. Still, the truth remains, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.”
Amid the pandemic, we encountered rising fountains of social and racial injustice in Minnesota with George Floyd’s death and Kentucky with Breanna Taylor’s death. Their deaths and following protests quickly became a national geyser of protests and rioting in most of our metropolitan areas. These tragedies quickly revealed America has serious issues regarding race issues, law and order, and justice. The barrage of news coverage and political spin on these events changed thoughts or solidified opinions among family members, neighbors, and friends regarding social and cultural issues facing America. Not only are our times changing but how people think is also changing. Still, the truth remains, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.”
Overlay these seismic events with an unprecedented hurricane season, many smaller social storms, a volatile presidential election year along with its aftermath, and it is no wonder many people find themselves exhausted and yearning for a new year. Despite all of the political talk, events, campaigns, and social media commentary Daniel 2:20-21 helped me to hold on to this truth, “He removes kings and sets up kings.” And still, the truth remains, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, to whom belong wisdom and might.”
Most people will not look upon 2020 with joy and fondness, but rather a heartbreak and good riddance. There is the sense that most Americans are overly eager for 2021, and do not want to allow even the thought that 2021 could have even more significant issues. Do not look for the magical crystal ball that drops in New York City tonight to be the thing that gives hope and changes the times and seasons. There is only One who has all power and authority to change the times and seasons, remove kings and set up kings, has given unfailing hope and peace through Jesus Christ, and it is God Almighty.
Yet, through all of 2020 and looking forward to 2021, my confidence and trust hold on to God to whom belong wisdom and might. He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. Blessed be the name of God forever and ever.