Our Times Are In His Hands
On December 23, 1776, Thomas Paine wrote The Crises. The first few lines were, “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Perhaps in 1776, it was clear who the enemy was and who were the good patriots. Unlike in 2024, some seem to yearn for the 1800s, and others long for Gilead, the Handmaid’s Tale, while others look at how the country can be greatly blessed in the future.
Facts, science, rational thinking seem to be a matter of choice and one’s political opponents are not simply wrong or the loyal opposition, but they are considered evil and unworthy for compromise. What should those who love the Lord do in such a charged environment? First, we must seek the face of God by reading His word and praying for Him to be in our situation (Psalm 27:7-9). Second, we must seek His wisdom (James 1:5). Last, we must be willing to obey Him (Deuteronomy 30:16) even if He is not voting for our political party or expressing His support for our wars at home or abroad.
While we are to pray for leadership, we must not only be willing to obey, but we must also actually be obedient to His will. Evil does not care who is in charge if chaos reigns, passions are ignited, and continuing conflicts are the coin of the realm.
Let’s decide today that, while political and legal challenges are occurring that have never occurred before, we will seek God’s face. We will strive to receive His wisdom and will obey His commands despite pressure from friends, foes, relatives, and neighbors to follow their commands.
Psalm 27:7-9
New International Version
7 Hear my voice when I call, Lord; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!”Your face, Lord, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, God my Savior.
James 1:5
New International Version
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
Deuteronomy 30:16
New International Version
16 For I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in obedience to him, and to keep his commands, decrees and laws; then you will live and increase, and the LORD your God will bless you in the land you are entering to possess.
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