I came up with a new phrase this week: Post Elections Stress Syndrome. We studied the issues, we prayed for wisdom, and we took the time to vote as responsible citizens. But when the results came in our emotions seemed to take flight. That’s how it looked after the elections and hearing people vent their feelings. What are some emotions that we tend to let go at times like these?
GLAD: We are happy when those we voted for get into office. We are satisfied when the propositions we marked became the majority vote. We feel justified and hopeful that good lies ahead for us. MAD: We also get upset when evil triumphs at the polls. We look over at our fellow Americans and say “really?” Is that what you believe? Is that what you want? Don’t you know what this means for our country? SAD: We then tend to grieve about the direction our nation is headed. (Eze 9:4) and the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and put a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and cry over all the abominations that are done within it.”
So, what do we do now? As believers we must accept the outcome and move forward in our faith. Acceptance does not mean approval. It just means we obey God and submit to Him by being subject to the authority that is placed over us. (Rom 13:1) Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God. God is in control of our nation and its future. A tough road lies ahead, and believers have to accept this fact and march on. It comes down to not only a political battle but also an underlying spiritual battle. The Bible says we must fight not with carnal but with spiritual weapons. (2 Cor 10:3-5)
If we can’t win at the polls, then we let us seek to win on a personal level . . . walking with God and influencing our world for Christ. Then we’ll be out of here, like Enoch, who was whisked away by God (Gen 5:20). This realization came down to me on Election Day. I was on the treadmill at the gym and filth was being poured out on the TV. (On Election Day, when we should be on our knees begging forgiveness from God for our wickedness!) How my heart did sigh and cry. Have mercy, O Lord, I prayed. I went to the manager and thanked him for running a quality gym. I then told him of the junk emanating from the TV and asked him if he would consider changing the channel to something more appropriate, especially for the young people. He apologized and said he would. The next day, indeed, a different channel with more suitable content was on. Thank you, Lord! And I thanked the manager, too . . . with a smile.
We win some battles and we lose some battles, but a perfect government is coming when Jesus rules over all as King of kings and Lord of lords. Are you ready, citizen of heaven?
Louie