I refuse to write about the election. How did we as a people get into a situation like this? It hits the pit of my stomach harder than a chunk of grease. Heartburn and indigestion in need of an antacid. If only it were that simple to relieve. It does not surprise me, however, that we are where we are. As a nation, we cannot expect to remove God from the culture, and not have that reflected in the culture. Our culture has declared war on God, and we reap what we sow. We eventually get what we deserve.
I’ve been reading through the book of Jeremiah. Not recommended reading for the month before an election—or maybe it is. Nothing as sobering as reading the dire predictions from the mouth of God to his faithless people.
But I do not count myself among those without faith. Because of that, I cling to the knowledge that Jesus sits on the right hand of the father and reigns over the earth. “From now on the Son of Man will be seated in the place of power at God’s right hand.” Luke 22:69 and “God reigns above the nations, sitting on His holy throne.” (Ps 47:8) I cling to the faith that God directs events in a way to fulfill His ultimate plan. The haughty and wicked who strive for power will be brought to naught. They seek power, but in the grand scheme of things, they are like children trying to resist the hurricane with sand castles. He “brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness.” (Isaiah 40:23) “O Lord, God of our fathers, are you not God in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. In your hand are power and might, so that none is able to withstand you.” (2 Chronicles 20:6)
The God who made and manages a universe so vast and complex that all the words I could possibly learn in a lifetime would be totally inept at describing Him, is more than qualified to handle the affairs of men. “For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17)
God is a just God, and historically has used trouble on a nation to teach and humble His people. God is also a God of mercy, who loves His children. So, as one of those children, I cling to promises He has made and look to the future with great anticipation and optimism.
You see, I know which side wins in the end. I am humbled to be one of the many living stones (pebble seems more apt a description for me) God is using to build His church and His kingdom. “You are living stones that God is building into His spiritual temple.” (1 Peter2:5)
So what can I do? What am I supposed to do?
God says, “If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned.” (Jeremiah 18:7-8.) “So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time He will lift you up in honor.” (1 Peter 5:6.) “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
God has used the most unexpected and unqualified people in the past to forward His plan. I think of Nebuchadnezzar, arrogant, mighty, insane. Through him, once He acknowledged God’s sovereignty, God blessed not just the people of Israel, but the whole world. I also think of Esther. Chosen by a Godless king, but her influence and the prayers of the faithful, caused said Godless king to rule justly.
Christian, if you call yourself by that name, it is time to humble yourself. Fall on your knees, and pray. Then rise. Rejoice! Praise God. God is our rock, our salvation. The hurricane will not prevail.
“I love You, Lord; You are my strength. The Lord is My rock, my fortress, and my Savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety. I called on the Lord, who is worthy of praise, and he saved me from my enemies…The Lord lives! Praise to my Rock! May the God of my salvation be exalted!” (Ps. 18:1-3, 46)
Another Day to Smile 