Two days ago, national, state, and local America exercised her right to vote. There were many who danced in the streets that evening as their candidate took the podium. There were also many who mourned in the quietness of their homes and businesses wondering what America will look like in four years.
I have to admit, I was a bit taken back the next morning when I scrolled through Facebook. Many of my Fb friends are conservative Republicans, so the morale was not great in many posts; I really didn’t expect it to be. But, what took me back was the attitude and alarmist negativity from some who I knew to be Christian. In order to not personally participate in any “bashing,” I’ll not quote nor elaborate further on some of the more despairing quotes except to say Brothers and Sisters in Christ — look up! An election result is not our hope. Whether or not a proposition passed or failed is not our security. Our future does not lie in the hands of America or our local government. Do not take off the lens of eternity and allow the circumstances of this world to fog the view and purpose in Christ Jesus.
It is so easy to get caught up in the circumstances swirling around us and lose focus on what we know to be our purpose and Kingdom perspective. Our Lord tells us from the scripture we are to spur one another on to good works — lift each other up, hold each other accountable, exhort, encourage, and pray. Let me use the remainder of this post to do this very thing. There is no better encouragement than to meditate on God’s truth and allow it to refocus our minds and thoughts toward Christ Jesus.
Psalm 24
— The earth is the LORD’s, and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the rivers.
Psalm 27 — the LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; whom shall I dread?
Psalm 37 — But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in time of trouble.
Psalm 46 — God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change, and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride.
Psalm 20 — Some trust in chariots and some in horses; but we will trust in the name of the LORD our God.
Daniel 2 — Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. And it is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men, and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He know what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.
John 16 — Jesus said… in the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
I am seeing this election result stir up God’s people to petition others to pray for our country and the state of America. Throughout the Old Testament God allowed trial and tribulation to come on nations in order that they would turn to Him for strength and provision. If indeed, this election result and the present state of America will cause God’s people to become deeply concerned about souls and sincerely get on our face to pray to the God of heaven, then it can result in nothing else but good. (Recall Romans 8:28) God desires we be a holy people; a people seeking after Him in raising families, working jobs, encountering people on the street, and yes, voting in the election booth. A holy, praying nation is comprised of holy, praying individuals. A heart that seeks after God’s own heart must begin in individual lives and homes.
I have to wonder — how serious are we about America and what are we willing to do about her future? Are we as concerned about our lost neighbor across the street as we are who was elected President? Are we praying, sincerely praying, for our community, schools, and neighbors? The state and future of America lies in our individual homes, neighborhoods, communities, and churches. Will this election spur us on to pray and seek the lost as never before? God is looking for a holy nation. He is looking for holy individuals.
II Chronicles 16 — For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those who heart is completely His.
Psalm 121 — I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; from whence shall my help come? My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The LORD is your keeper; the LORD is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, nor the moon by night. The LORD will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul. The LORD will guard your going out and your coming in from this time forth and forever.
My dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, now is not the time for panic. Now is not the time for doom and gloom. Now is the time to roll up our sleeves and do some serious spiritual work through prayer, one-on-one evangelism, and service to others. God is still sovereign. Nothing takes Him by surprise. He was on the throne of heaven before the election — and He is still ruling and reigning after the election.
Psalm 72 — Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone woks wonders. And blessed be His glorious name forever; and may the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen.
Abundant Heart 