Due to my shamelessness in what I stand for and professing it so outright on this blog, it should come as no surprise that I am extremely disappointed in the outcome of last night's election and also slightly blindsided at the ignorance of half of our country. I woke up this morning feeling as if I had arisen from a horrific nightmare, and rather than being angry (like I presumed I would be), I found myself crying in angst over the disillusionment and blindness of our fellow Americans. My heart weighs heavy over the choices we have made as a country and also over the knowledge that this could be the beginning of a decline of the America that I have grown up with, the descent of freedom and prosperity. Through all this confusion and disappointment, I find myself looking to the only place where true comfort and hope can be found, and that is in Jesus Christ. I must cling to the fact that he promises the following things.
In God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? Psalm 56:11
I called on The Lord in distress; The Lord answered me...The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can mand do to me? Psalm 118:5-6
It is better to trust in The Lord than to put confidence in man. Psalm 118:8
Do not be afraid of sudden terror, nor of trouble from the wicked when it comes: For the Lord will be your confidence. Proverbs 3:25-26
Also, in the midst of struggling with anger, confusion and pure broken heartedness, I opened up my devotion and was met with comfort from my God.
" Worship Me in the beauty of holiness. All true beauty reflects some of who I am. I am working My ways in you: the divine Artist creating lovliness within your being. My main work is to clear out debris and clutter, making room for My Spirit to take full possession. Collaborate with Me in this effort BY BEING WILLING TO LET GO OF ANYTHING I CHOOSE TO TAKE AWAY. I KNOW WHAT YOU NEED, AND I HAVE PROMISED TO PROVIDE ALL OF THAT-ABUNDANTLY.
YOUR SENSE OF SECURITY MUST NOT REST IN YOUR POSSESSIONS OR IN THINGS GOING YOUR WAY. I AM TRAINING YOU TO DEPEND ON Me ALONE, FINDING FULFILLMENT IN MY PRESENCE. THIS ENTAILS BEING SATISFIED WITH MUCH OR WITH LITTLE, ACCEPTING EITHER AS MY WILL FOR THE MOMENT. INSTEAD OF GRASPING AND CONTROLLING, YOU ARE LEARNING TO RELEASE AND RECEIVE. CULTIVATE THIS RECEPTIVE STANCE BY TRUSTING ME IN EVERY SITUATION."
Wow, this left me speechless. It's amazing to me that this was my devotion the day after the election. He knew I needed that re-assurance that I am not called to put my trust in this corrupt, disappointing world, but in Him alone. I felt a challenge being thrown at me through those powerful words...are you going to trust Me in every situation, lean on Me when trials and tribulations come at you, depend on Me when everything you have ever known (and quite frankly taken for granted) may be stripped from you, and have a higher hope in things that are unseen?
My intent is not to scare or upset you, but rather to just voice my opinion in what I believe is a crisis that has now invaded our country. I hope you can find relief in the scripture and words of God I have written because that is the only true place for rest, strength and hope. Pray for our country!
I have had the same exact response to the election...I've been crying for the same reasons on and off since about 10 pm last night. Especially now that I've started having children, I am terrified and so saddened by the thought they may never know the great country I grew up in...thank you so much for sharing the scripture verses, they definitely brought me comfort. We are not alone!
ReplyDeleteI feel your sadness, I seriously started tearing up reading this. I just can't seem to stop the flow of tears, but I keep looking at scripture to get me through the hurt I feel. Michael and I haven't started a family yet, but it scares me to think that they might not have the freedoms we do (or did) right now. Glad that I could bring a little comfort during this upsetting time. Keep praying!
DeleteYou blessed me so with this Ashley. Ringing in my ears are your words ..."and have a higher hope in things that are unseen." I love you.
ReplyDeleteThank you for saying that Uncle Ken. It blessed me to hear that. I feel like Im walking around in a haze right now, but I know I must trust God's provision right now. I love you so much!
DeleteThanks for posting this! The sentiments of many. There is no authority that God has not established (see Romans 13:1) This election reminds me of the book of first Samuel when Israel lacked faith in God and cried out for a king like every other country. So God gave them Saul to be their king, who was corrupt... Like every other king. (Eventually David became king) So, God has spoken, and for that we can Praise Him... No matter what the future of this once great nation is, We can take heart in that God is behind it all and that His glory will be revealed.:-)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Ramsey and thank you for saying that. I thought about those scripture verses as well, and literally have to keep reminding myself that God is in control and allowed this to happen for a reason. My human nature is bitter and upset at our country for choosing such corruptness (at least in my eyes) and straying so far on what this nation was founded on. I am thankful though that I serve a God that is above all this and who has a plan that we may not see nor understand at the moment. I know I must put complete trust in Him right now!
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