THE LORD LIVES!

I will call upon the Lord,
who is worthy to be praised;
so shall I be saved from my enemies.
The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation
be exalted.
Psalm 18:3,46

In these days of confusion in our country and in my small circle of contacts, I am feeling some company among Christian friends and cohorts. We all feel a desperation as we view America's political options during this election season. Not only is the White House at stake, but our country also has a Congress and even Supreme Court with real moral/ethical issues. To boil it all down, we are a part of an America that has big problems. The major problem in this morass we view is that of sin which by the way, you and I are a part of..

What are we to do in these days that trouble us? It's a sad indictment on we Christians if we are in a state of frenzy, fear and discouragement just over politics. I'm not saying we shouldn't have concerns. But what does that say about our confidence in the fact that God does all things well? We may not see God working as we would like, but our faith should tell us God always knows what He's doing and why. He owes us no explanations. If we are in Scripture enough, we can see the whys of how God is having to deal, especially with our country. So if our faith is ebbing due to our surroundings, we must do all we can to regain our focus and faith in God.

I love Psalm 18 and the above verses from it. I even know a chorus centered on those words. I can sing them or just repeat them over and over combating all of the clamor of the world. I do not have to be a victim of all the junk...I have a choice as to what I'm going to concentrate on. Scripture whether reading, saying or singing is strengthening in so many ways. I've seen advertisements now making psychological help available for people struggling with all of the political pressures of our day. I need a Savior more than I need a psychologist.

What am I finding that is working for me? I know who I am going to vote for. I don't need anymore information or input...it's done and decided.

• I've made my decision, I don't have to listen to all of the last minute scandalous input about anyone that the media feeds me.
• I am allowing God to renew and revive my own spirit. There is nothing I can do about anyone else. I am expected to be personally accountable to God for my own actions.
• I am trying to double up my time spent in Bible reading and prayer. I am praying not just for myself, but for people of name I never thought I would ever pray for.
• Praying for government leaders is even more on my agenda these days.
• Being a good citizen is important to me. Yes, I will vote, but I need to be accountable to obey laws and be respectful of authority.
• Being an encourager is important in these days when so many are discouraged.

No matter the outcome of any election, God is still on His throne and in control of all of the affairs of men. Politically, things may or may not change, but we read that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. When we can't count on men in general, our faith in God need never waver. He is consistent in all His ways.

I have been reminded this week in hearing so many politicians as they have given us certain promises. Some of those folks mean well while some just want to get into office. I've heard some tell us that their way to do things is best and we should follow them. Some speak of how we can trust their word while others promise us that with them in office, life is going to be good. I have news for all of them. Only one man promised to be the way, the truth and the life. He accepted no bribes or money under the table. He was a simple servant, teacher and yes, Savior. His promises we can't necessarily take to the bank, but we will take them to Heaven as Jesus presents us to His Father.

We're going to be fine. We may have to continue with discomforts in this old world, but that's the way things are going to continue to be until Jesus comes. Meanwhile, we...

Trust and obey
For there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus
But to trust and obey.

Father, I pray for our country and for every candidate running for office that each will find in themselves to be honest and upright, hopefully seeking salvation and guidance through You. Thank You for the peace that passeth all understanding for we, Your children, who want Your best in all areas of our lives. In Jesus precious name....Amen