After the tragedy of September 11th, I remember thinking that “nothing will ever be the same again” and in fact some things have never been the same. Air travel is the primary thing that has changed so very drastically since that fateful day in 2001. However, for the most part, our lives have gone on pretty much as they did pre-9/11. In no way am I trying to minimize the horrific destruction that took place and devastated the lives of countless Americans. Many people lost husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, fathers, mothers, children and friends. But for the majority of Americans, life goes on as usual.
In two months we will go to the polls to elect a new president of the United States. Again, I find myself thinking that there is the potential for “nothing to ever be the same again” depending on who is elected. This post is not intended to debate the merits and downfalls of the candidates. Period. I have already decided which candidate I will support, although I have issues with some of the stances of both of the candidates on key issues. Since Jesus is not running for President of the United States, there is no perfect candidate and so I had to make a decision for whom I would vote.
Regardless of who wins the election, I will be praying for that man and all the other elected officials in this country. Just as voting is the duty and right of every citizen of the US, so is praying for our elected officials the duty and right of every Christian in the US.
You may feel, as I do, that the potential for dark and frightening days lies ahead for the US. Depending on who is elected, I fear even higher taxes, a decimated military, a miscalculated foreign policy strategy, a ceasing of support for the nation of Israel, nationwide approval and encouragement of gay marriage, an increase in the types of abortion that are legal, a limiting of the rights of homeschooling families and other things.
When I begin to think about the possibilities that lay ahead for the next four years, it would be easy to grow fearful, yet the Lord longs to speak a word of comfort and reassurance to me and to anyone who tends to fret over the state of our nation.
Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit Daniel 2: 20-21 tells us, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness and light dwells in Him.” Did you see that? God removes kings/presidents and raises up kings/presidents. Emphasis mine. God is in complete control and only the person who fulfills His plan will be elected and serve as President of the United States. Psalm 22: 28 reminds us that He rules over the nations, while Psalm 33: 10 tells us that God foils or ruins the plans of the nations if they do not line up with His plan.
The verses, however, that speak much comfort to me are from Psalm 47: 7-8. Take this in, dear friend. “For God is the King of all the earth, sing to Him a psalm of praise. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne.” God reigns over the nations. The Hebrew word for reigns means ‘to reign” but I think you will be blessed by the other meaning of this word. It means to counsel or instruct. This word implies authority and wisdom on the part of the one doing the reigning.
Nothing will happen in the upcoming election that surprises God. He is in complete control and the man who wins the election is part of God’s ultimate plan. God is still seated on His throne. He has not run away and left the universe spinning out of control. He is not pacing the throne room, stewing and wondering what in the world to do about this election. He is not having an anxiety attack over what might be coming. He is not frantically dispatching angels to the four corners of America in fear of what might happen. No, He is SEATED on His throne and fully in control.
If God is so very in control, then why should we worry? If I believe that God truly reigns over the nations, then what good is it to fret about the election? Yes, this is a crucial election year and it is of utmost importance that you and I go to the polls and vote, but our job is to pray and trust God’s heart to bring the man to the office of President of the United States that is part of His Holy will.
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