Today, we usher in the inauguration of the 46th President of the United States.
United. States. Those two words are what cut to my heart more than anything in that first sentence.
We haven’t been united in quite some time, have we? For the last several months we’ve watched on the edge of our seats as our country’s political climate has risen to the most tumultuous level that most of us have ever seen in our lifetimes. It has divided us in ways we could have never imagined.
Truth is, we live in a country impacted by the effects of sin – stressful, contentious, and polarizing political seasons are, unfortunately, part of that.
It will only be when Jesus returns and institutes a new heaven and a new earth (the perfect government solution) that suffering, disunity, strife, and dissention will end.
So, what do we do in the meantime? Where do we find hope for today?
Remembering that God is sovereign, remains on His throne, and has the whole world in His hands will strengthen the faintest of hearts in these turbulent times and will help keep things in perspective. Our hope is found only in Him; not our circumstances or the state of our country.
As Jesus was preparing to be crucified, he made this comment to His 12 disciples: “Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you…don’t let your heart be troubled or fearful.” (John 14:27) Jesus knew their world was about to be rocked following his death.
Their sight had been fixed on the temporary. Their preconceived ideas that Jesus was about to become Israel’s next King and hold the head position of their earthly government was about to be thrown into complete upheaval.
Confusion would mount. Panic would set in. Fear and discouragement would loom large.
Much like today.
But, He left them with His peace and told them not to be troubled.
Just like His disciples then, He speaks that same word to His followers today and promises to, “…never leave [us] or abandon [us]…(Hebrews 13:5)
Right now, when our country at large is afraid, how can we infuse peace into our surroundings? When unity seems unattainable, how can we help foster positive and eternal change?
May I suggest three life-giving, faith-boosting ways?
*Walk with God personally. If you do, He promises to strengthen you, help you, and keep you in peace. (Isaiah 41:10; Isaiah 26:3) And, in doing this dear friend, you are modeling by example the peace that surpasses understanding given by our Heavenly Father. You will be living out your calling to reflect His love in a world riddled with uncertainties.
*Believe His Word. “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” (Romans 10:17) One of the quickest ways to build up your faith is to get into His Word. Read some of those Old Testament stories and remember that the same God who rescued Daniel from the lion’s den and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego from the fiery furnace is the same God who will rescue us from the climate of unrest our country is navigating. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)
*Pray. “Don’t worry about anything, but…through prayer…present your requests to God…” (Philippians 4:6) As you do that, He promises His peace will guard your heart and mind (vs. 7). Prayer is our opportunity to partner with God and see Him move mountains! It’s where the rubber meets the road!
God shapes the world by prayer. The more praying there is in the world the better the world will be, the mightier the forces against evil. ~E.M. Bounds
Until next time, Grace and Glory (and peace)!
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