I first noticed the announcement playing during Post Election Day this week. After the campaign frenzy building up to the election and the anticipation that things might turn out the way I hoped, the morning after brought disappointment and a deep sense of loss. Hope for change and a different leader at the helm wouldn't happen. There were more Americans who wanted to continue in the direction we were headed, than wanted that change and that meant I was now a part of the minority. Did my vote really matter? How disheartening to go through all that expensive hoopla to have things stay almost the same.
Then I heard it. The reminder that someone greater than any president or governor was still in charge and there still is a Kingdom that cannot be shaken no matter who rules this piece of the planet. A Kingdom that I claim citizenship to and a King who has counted me worthy to serve Him. No matter what is happening on earth, the Kingdom of God is expanding and I get to work with Him to bring His justice, peace, and love to hearts of men that are open to knowing him. My King is greater. He still has a plan.
Philippians 3:20
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ...
1 Peter 2:11
I beg you, as those whom I love, to live in this world as strangers and “temporary residents”...
Was I hoping for an election win that would restore trust in earthly government? My trust can only be in the Lord.
It was then that I found more motivation to pray for this country than I had before and during the election. Oh, Lord forgive our sins. Forgive our arrogance of thinking we're wonderful when we aren't. Of denying our neediness and failure to learn from the past. For taking for granted our freedom and comfort. For judging others. For looking to man's ways to bring Godliness. May we keep our hope upon you, and honor the president in office. May we be people of prayer, sharing your love to everyone the same, regardless of political beliefs.
I get an email from my financial adviser this week telling me what to expect since the election is over. I hear the Sponser's message saying the greater investments are the ones laid up in heaven. Am I managing that account with the same watchfulness I have for stocks, bonds and annuities? The pay offs are guaranteed and last through eternity.
I enjoy the woman's retreat at church this weekend. During worship I imagine the Great One's strength surrounding me as a father encircles a child who is struggling with quivering effort to prove his muscles are somehow strong enough to break free from the stronger embrace. A game they like to play. Like the child, when I'm spent from the tussle I lean confidently into Him, relaxed and secure. He tells me again that He is in charge and quite capable of protecting me.
Someone shares their story at a workshop during the retreat. She says that wanting to know God more is not the same as knowing him better. And I'm reminded that knowing comes from spending time in His presence, soaking in His goodness and love, listening to His words. Desires and intentions may make me feel like I'm getting closer to him, but if I never follow through to actually drawing aside to be with him, I am fooling myself. He is greater than anything else this world has to offer.
Thank you for sharing words of encouragement with me this week, Father. You are greater, more wonderful and mighty than any earthly power. I worship you. May you be exalted in your people.
My hope is built on nothing less,
Than Jesus' blood and righteousness,
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ the solid rock I stand,
All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
Thank you for voicing my thoughts so well. So much meat in this entry!
ReplyDeleteAmen! Standing on the Rock.
ReplyDelete