A Brief Day-After-The-Election Thought. . . .

i-amYesterday began and ended no differently than all other days since “in the beginning.” While the names in the program and the circumstances of life constantly change, the Author of Life is still in control. And, His providences continue to be just what we need in order to become just what He wants us to become.

I woke up yesterday knowing that in 24 short hours I would be waking again to a difficult providence. Reality is, I would have scripted most everything in life differently. I would have loved to have been able to cast a vote at the top of the ballot for a viable candidate of integrity and character. Still, I’m glad I’m not in charge.

This morning, none of us is off the hook. It’s time for the church to be the church. I believe that task begins each morning with closed mouths and open hearts. . . hearts hungry to know, believe, and live God’s Word. Could we begin our day not with pointed fingers, accusatory rants, and blame-casting? Rather, can we go to His Word while praying three prayers. . . “Lord, show me you. Lord, show me me. Lord, show me your plan for me.” Then, act.

And to those brothers and sisters who are filling social media today with all kinds of vitriol. . . arrogant gloating on the one hand,  and condemnation of entire groups of people on the other flowing out of disappointment. . . stop. Just take a deep breath and power down for a bit. Neither approach is helping anything. This morning has not brought the salvation of a nation nor has it brought its death. What it has brought is an opportunity to see our culture for what it is. . . which is also what it’s been for a long, long time.

This morning, Scotty Smith posted this prayer. . . and it’s timely. . .

 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior. -I Timothy 2:1-3

Heavenly Father, we begin this day in America with a new president-elect, and with all kinds of emotions racing through our hearts. Half of our country is delighted, and half is despondent, while the rest of the world reacts with wariness and worry. Some see this election as your judgment, and some as your deliverance.

But as your people, our first response is to hit our knees, lift our hands and proclaim that you alone are God; you alone are Savior; you alone are good. Our hope is built on nothing more, nothing less, and nothing other than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. Our trust is in you—the God who does all things well—the Father who works in all things for the good of his children and the glory of his name.

In obedience to this portion of your Word, we pray for all people in our country today. This election year has demonstrated the deep divisions, multiple idols, and moral malaise of our culture. Father, restrain evil, and the predictable chaos, anger, and gloating that will possibly ensue.

We need your heart and hand to humble us, center us, and refocus us. We need the gospel of your grace and the kingdom of your Son. We need nothing short of a revival in our country. May your church lead the way in these coming days, weeks, and months. May we serve as peacemakers in our communities—agents of kindness, reconciliation, and hope.

We pray for our sitting president and our president-elect. Father, direct their hearts, as surely as you direct the rising and setting of the sun. We pray for as peaceful of a transition as possible. We also ask you to place men and women in this new administration who fear you and trust your Son—those who will love mercy, work for justice, and walk humbly with you. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ merciful and mighty name.

 

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