How long will I continue to indulge in airing my grievances about the cares of this world?  A strange and uneasy feeling has crept into my heart lately that I am as much a part of the social unrest in our nation as anyone in post-election America.

How can this be?  I did my best to be informed on national issues.  I compared candidates’ views.  I prayed, cried, cheered, posted and commented.  I voted.

And the outcome?  The once silent majority has spoken and that suits me fine.  Then I gloated.  I ate humble pie on the rocks.

That is not the same as humbly giving glory to God for answered prayer.  The outcome could have just as easily gone the opposite of my own hopes.  It didn’t, so what is my problem?

Election Reflection:  There seems to be a nationwide obsessive need to analyze, criticize (and in some cases), condemn others of opposite views.  How did I fall into that worldly abyss?  I fell prey by caring too much about what Jesus warned us about in Luke 21:31-36.  I watched (fearfully) the vengeful, hateful and shocking post-election public protests of the past few days and thought in my heart, “Thank God I don’t feel that way,” and other sanctimonious thoughts I am too ashamed to share.  I didn’t realize until this morning that my opinions do not stand up to God’s instruction in His Word – even when it seems that my motives are consistent with “Christian” views.  This came about as I prepared to re-share a wondrous scripture post on social media that shockingly contained venomous remarks about others in the comments section; coming from what I can only assume are believing Christians.  What in this world are we thinking?  I sadly did not share the post and am on my guard in future against sharing any message that links hate to The Gospel of Christ.

I am not demeaning the importance of a believer’s call to stand up for justice and what is right.  The problem is a crushing reality that I do not know God’s plan other than what He has revealed in His Word.  His plans for our nation in particular are either not mentioned in the Bible or are veiled in mysterious symbolism.  Perhaps it will become clear in the future; perhaps not.  Regardless, until Jesus returns and governs in His perfect way, none of what man does to self-govern will ever achieve peace.  There will always be division and major differences of opinion between groups of people on the earth. My thoughts are to continue to pray for our new leadership; that all governing members will seek the wise counsel of our Father in heaven before any and all actions whether domestic or foreign.  I turn my thoughts away now, and embrace:

Maranatha!  Maranatha!

Read Isaiah 55:6-13.

I can aspire to humility but not lay claim to it without remembering the holy words of Almighty God that bring me low:

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. ~ Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Verse 13 describes my thoughts. They have been mostly of the thorn-bush and briers.

History has shown that Jesus came to earth to save mankind almost 2,000 years ago at a time when the Roman Empire ruled most of the known world.  Roman rule was brutal, pagan, terrible, and even the instrument of Christ’s own crucifixion… yet history also shows that The Gospel of Good News spread victoriously like wildfire throughout the world on Roman roads and trade ships that networked three major continents.  That would not have happened had not God allowed Roman rule at exactly the time of Christ’s appearance on the world scene.

No, I do not know God’s thoughts or plans but I do know that He deserves my praise and thanks for blessing our nation for over 200 years.  I have strong faith that He is not giving up on America just yet.  He always redeems even a remnant of people who believe on His Name.

My prayer: “Change me, Lord, and grow juniper and myrtle thoughts within me for Your Glory!  Forgive my prideful thoughts and actions and stir up Your powerful Holy Spirit in me to love all people like Jesus did.  Help me to shine Your Light upon the whole earth and give You Praise!“

This will be for the Lord’s renown, for an everlasting sign, that will endure forever. ~ Isaiah 55:13b NIV

This is what the Lord says: “Maintain justice and do what is right for My Salvation is close at hand and My righteousness will soon be revealed. Blessed is the one who does this – the person who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without desecrating it, and keeps their hands from doing any evil.” ~ Isaiah 56:1-2

I belong to Jesus – not to this world system.  I owe Him everything including my very existence.  My opinions are subject to the Word of our King Over All.  Jesus came to save the whole world, including those who do not share my views or belief in Him.  Hallelujah!  What a Savior!