The news can be so discouraging. Even more so, the words we read on social media.
We all have an opinion and we seem to think our opinion is the only right one, therefore, everyone should agree with us. It can get overwhelming at times to realize the level of discord all around us.
As I have pondered the coming days and the change of leadership in our country, I wondered where the answers truly lie.
In looking into the Old Testament, there were righteous kings and then, there were kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord. God’s people did not always have the best kings ruling over them. And yet, they survived and God worked in and through His people. He remained faithful to those who were His.
There has now been a presidential debate, a vice president debate, televised campaign rallies, and news interviews. Each candidate has voiced their stance on a myriad of subjects, including each other. The press, news, talk radio, and social media have lit up and ranted from every viewpoint possible.
Where do we cast our vote? How do we cast it with a clear and sound mind, a decision made in wisdom?
“God is in the midst of her, she will not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.”
(Psalm 46:5, NASB)
God promises to be with His people. He will keep us steady and stable. He will be our help every morning when the sun comes up.
As the time to cast our vote approaches, we can do three things:
- Pray. Each day we can commit to pray for this election. Ask God for wisdom and for Him to show us where to cast our vote.
- Trust God. God will be sovereign over the outcome. There will never be a day in which He vacates His throne. He rules over all events in this world. With God, there is no “breaking news”.
- Maintain our right to a secret ballot. Let’s hold our decision close. Let’s not feed into any division, hurt, or bitterness. May we be agents of reconciliation and unity to those around us.
“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote .. that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.” (Samuel Adams)
Pray,
Trust God,
and be agents of reconciliation and unity.
In her post, A Feast for a Hungry Soul HERE, Donna Bucher reminds us “If your soul is hungry today, come to the table, eat, and find Joy and abundance in God again.” Her words will diligently encourage you to seek God.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay
It’s been interesting Joanne, that even here in Australia they broadcasted your presidential debate in prime time.
My husband & I found this rather strange especially when we don’t have anything to do with your country’s decision or voting.
God indeed is in control.
Blessings, Jennifer
I have been amazed and saddened by all the discord in our country the last few years. People don’t seem to respect that everyone has a right to their opinion–they not only vehemently disagree, but they tear down and/or ridicule the other viewpoints. May we who know the Lord shine our lights during election season and always.
It’s so easy to get discouraged by everything going on in the world these days. Your “three things” are such important reminders as to why we vote, why each vote matters and, most importantly, to remember that God is holding us all in His hands! Thanks for the day brightener, Joanne!
Dear Joanne – thank you for this gentle, unifying reminder. Your wise words brought to mind Ephesians 4:3 – ‘Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.’
Our faith in Christ should always far surpass our political affiliations. He is our firm foundation, He is the Savior, He is the King.
I dropped my ballot into the mailbox last Saturday, and there was such a feeling of relief and gratitude. Relief that I’ve done what I can and gratitude that we live in a country where we have freedom to cast our votes. We are blessed, no matter what side of the aisle we find ourselves.
Joanne, thank you for “going there”. Thank you for simply helping us keep our eyes on the One true King and Sovereign overall, knowing despite any political bias we may entertain, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turns it whithersoever he will.” Proverbs 21:1.
May we choose to be people who honor God and others without being pulled [down] into the mire of public discourse.
And thank you my sweet friend for featuring my recent post!
God has equipped us for the times in which we live – and He’s got the plan. When I read the bible stories where he muddled men’s thoughts or took unlikely men to lead his people – I feel like we are living some of those scenarios right now. I find myself at times more frustrated and disappointed about the honor of men than discouraged.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” ~ Psalm 20:7
Joanne, this is timely and needed. I’m sad by all that’s going on in our country, especially as it relates ti the election. In the end, God will still be God and in His throne. No one or election can undo that. Praying over the U.S.
Joanne, I don’t know many times when we find a choice that is 100% what we want. We choose the option that comes closest to honoring our values. May we seek God, pray, and vote. And may He have mercy on us.
Joanne, I appreciate you taking about this. It needed to be said. I don’t know what more I can say except I agree with what everybody’s already said above me. You’ve all said it perfectly.
I appreciate your thoughts on the secret ballot and our need to be mindful about our conversations in this contentious time. We have prayer as our most powerful action!
Pray,
Trust God,
and be agents of reconciliation and unity.
A good and timely word! Thank you.
Well said, Joanne. Thank you.
So important and so well said. Thanks for speaking up on a topic that seems to be avoided like the plague.
Prayer and a heart towards reconciliation and unity can make all the difference, Joanne.