We are standing on the threshold of what is supposed to be "the most wonderful time of the year." There are many people, however, who are hopeless, joyless and filled with anxiety as they dread the last five weeks of the calendar year.

I am not one of those people; I have a hope that is boundless, a joy that is inexpressible and a peace that passes understanding even during this, the momentous year of 2020. I also have much to be thankful for, even while the world is spinning out of control.

I am thankful for friends and family both near and far; I am grateful to be able to serve the Lord at this moment in history. I am thankful to be able to read my Bible every day and to be part of His grand plan at this time in the world's history. There is always something for which to be thankful even in the midst of tumult and crisis. I choose to focus on the good of 2020 rather than on the erratic.

Thankfulness is a primary discipline of our walk in Christ, and I will be thankful this year more than in any other year because He is my sustainer, my comforter and my dearest friend.

I have boundless hope because I have attached my life to the promises in the Word of God rather than to the events around me. I believe that Jesus is indeed my healer. I believe He has given me power and authority over sickness and pain. I will declare the Word of God when my body is ill, and I will stand in strong faith that He is well able to touch my body and to heal me. The same Jesus who healed lepers, the lame man and opened blind eyes is the God I serve in 2020.

I have joy inexpressible because He has promised never to leave me and never to forsake me. Although I may not relish the events of 2020 and might even wish for a different circumstantial outcome, I choose to walk by faith and not by sight. I know that in His wonderful presence is fullness of joy. Happiness comes from our temporary circumstances, but joy is extracted from His presence! The baby who was sent from heaven 2,000 years ago invaded our world with joy. Therefore, this year I will choose to sing loudly and to worship relentlessly. We have a reason to sing for joy even in 2020!

I have the peace that passes understanding because I choose to trust our good, good Father has final authority in all of earth's happenings. He has not relinquished one iota of His power, and it is He who still sits on heaven's glorious throne. He has never lost a battle yet, and He certainly will not lose the battle that ravages our world in 2020.

Peace is a byproduct of prayer, trust and surrender; I will pray without ceasing. I will trust His character, and I will surrender my will and my preferences to His wonderful plan.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and over his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with justice and with righteousness, from now until forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this" (Isa. 9:6-7).

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical, biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. Carol has written 11 books, including Significant, StormProof and Guide Your Mind, Guard Your Heart, Grace Your Tongue. Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming.

Get Spirit-filled content delivered right to your inbox! Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Dr. Steve Greene is now sharing stories, teachings, and conversations with guests who lead with love on Love Leads, a new podcast. Listen now.

Dr. Mark Rutland's

National Institute of Christian Leadership (NICL)

The NICL is one of the top leadership training programs in the U.S. taught by Dr. Mark Rutland. If you're the type of leader that likes to have total control over every aspect of your ministry and your future success, the NICL is right for you!

FREE NICL MINI-COURSE - Enroll for 3-hours of training from Dr. Rutland's full leadership course. Experience the NICL and decide if this training is right for you and your team.

The NICL Online is an option for any leader with time or schedule constraints. It's also for leaders who want to expedite their training to receive advanced standing for Master Level credit hours. Work through Dr. Rutland's full training from the comfort of your home or ministry at your pace. Learn more about NICL Online. Learn more about NICL Online.