“Do not fret because of evildoers.”
~ Psalm 37:1 (NASB)
After we’ve prayed and voted, what do we do while we wait? Since I found myself fretting over the election the above verse came to mind. Below is an excerpt from Give Yourself a Break. If this election has stirred your pot, I hope you can draw strength and comfort from God’s Word.
Photo by: Elliott Stallion
Someone has said that we don’t know God is all we need until God is all we have. Throughout history God has used evil people in authority to remind His people to look to Him.
Many of God’s attributes comfort me in pain and confusion. His unconditional love for me, His wisdom, His foreknowledge, and His power all bring hope. Because He has those qualities, knowing He is sovereign over everything that touches me allows me to rest. No injustice slips by Him unnoticed. And if He allowed it, He is using it for His glory and my good.
If the turbulence on an airplane gets particularly rough, I watch the flight attendant. If she is calm, then I relax. As children of the living God, we take our cues from our heavenly Father. When I see He’s not worried about what’s rattling my world, I have confidence. He is on the throne.
Getting Your Cue From Scripture:
- “Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the LORD and against his anointed, saying, ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, ‘I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain’ ” (Psalm 2:1-6).
- “The Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people” (Daniel 4:17).
- “…there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Romans 13:1).
- “For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth’ ” (Romans 9:17).
Ongoing agitation leads to bad decisions and sin. God tells us to replace fretting with praying.
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).
If you haven’t voted and you’re reading this before the poles close, I urge you to vote for candidates that support religious freedom, life, marriage, and Israel—in other words, biblical values (see Proverbs 14:34). Vote and then keep praying for our leaders and nation all year.
God has so wired the universe that our prayers make a difference. Click To TweetThey enter the capitals and classrooms of the world and influence rulers. And connecting with God over our concerns changes us and pleases Him. We remember who is on the throne.
Your turn: What helps you keep your peace of mind?
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Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
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Thanks Debbie. Comforting words and God’s wisdom for today. I can be easily stirred up but this blog has helped me refocus my mind. What a blessing to know the creator of the world and to rest in God’s love!
Amen, Sandi. Focus makes all the difference.
Thank you for your continued faithfulness. It is appreciated.
Thank you, Nancy!
Thank you Debbie. This was the PERFECT thing to read as I just returned from voting. His will be done!
Ann, amen, and amen!
Amen. I always say that we are called to worship God, not people. 🙂
Yes, Melissa. No matter who wins, we worship God.
Unconditional support for Israel is a dangerous perspective/policy. I am sitting in the Sinai as I write this. I see the walls built and land being confiscated.
I hear no love from their leaders nor truth. Peace is not their objective any more than the leadership across the border. A far more balanced policy is desperately needed like Jimmy Carter’s, not what I hear from the religious right in the US.
Ralph, I appreciate your thoughts. My Bible tells me to pray for Israel and to seek her good. God even promises to bless those who bless her. Of course history shows she has not always been true to God. But God won’t forsake her or His promises to her. She will be here at the end.
Unconditional support for all that Israel does is my issue. I can not turn away from gross injustice as if it is not happening. Praying for Israel is far different than supporting Israel.
By the way, my Bible reads the same as yours.
🙂 I’m sure it does! Thanks, Ralph. I think the same could be said for our country. I support America, but not everything she does.
God’s sovereignty–in all things–is something that God has been continually revealing to me over the past few years, Debbie. It strengthens my faith and hope in this life like nothing else or no One else can! Thank you for reminding us of this immutable fact and so glad that we’re gaining a president who is pro-life! Amazing and surprising election! Only God!
God’s sovereignty has been a rock I go to when life seems in chaos. I agree, Beth. Only God with so many forces against this. May we be strong in Him, and may His will be done.
There is a lot of wisdom in this post Debbie. One thing I am training myself to do that gives me peace is praying God’s word. I feel a smile come over my face when I pray Proverbs 3:5-6 and other scriptures I’ve memorized. I can relate to whomever ever said, “We don’t know God is all we need until God is all we have.” He is never surprised by what takes place in or around our lives. He just asks us to trust Him. I have seen evidence in my life that He is in control. So I will focus on doing my best to serve Him willingly and rest in the peace that He provides. Always a blessing to visit you here. I hope you have a fantastic weekend and may God richly bless you and yours.
Horace, praying Scripture is very powerful. Thank you for sharing how you do that. Blessings to you.
Amen, Debbie. God is still on the throne and in control! What really kills me are the Christians bringing up Mr. Trump’s past. Those things are in his past and should be left there. I believe God is going to use Mr. Trump because of the godly men that have gathered around him. Thank you for these encouraging words and for sharing them with Thankful Thursdays.
Thank you, Lori. We are in a spiritual battle that can only be won with spiritual weapons. Bless you and your ministry.