I received an e-card for New Years. It showed a flip-clock displaying the year 2020, audibly ticking. Upon flipping to 2021, confetti falls from the sky with clapping and exuberant yelping. The card then plays the famous Hallelujah Chorus by Handel which resounds with the words, “for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth.”
Does this capture how 2021 has felt for you this far?
A mere two weeks into 2021 has revealed just how increasingly divided our nation has become. On top of the continued impacts of COVID-19, violence at our nation’s capital this month grieves us and adds to our hopelessness.
As I have been processing these dynamics personally, this song has been a source of hope for my heart. As I’m sure you’ve experienced, there is something special about the way songs can help us to declare and believe the truth. The song is written by my friend Caleb, who is a pastor at our sister church in Utah. Listen to the song, and let the truths carried through melody bring your heart to a place of hope in this: The Lord Reigns.
Despite the impacts of COVID-19, Jesus sits on his throne. Even over a divided and violent nation, Jesus sits on his throne. He is strong. He has a plan.
When the Lord Jesus returns, we will sing the hallelujah of all hallelujahs seeing his reign make all things new. But until then, we find hope not in our circumstances, but in His reign over all of history, including 2021, and forevermore!
– John Larsen
