Gracie Girl Blog

The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; Psalm 99:1

Welcome to 2020, the year where anything can happen. Not in a Disney “all your dreams will come true” way but in a “if it can go wrong it probably will” way. The culmination of the crazy? The U.S. presidential election which has somehow managed to be more controversial than the last one.

If you do not stand firm in your faith, you will not stand at all. Isaiah 7:9b

As we watch what’s going to happen in our country today and in the following months, I’m drawn more and more to look at the kingdom. Of all we don’t know about the future, there’s a lot we do know about God.

Lord, you have been our dwelling place throughout all generations. Psalm 90:1

Truth is, nothing is permanent and we live in a temporary home here on earth. As much as I love America and hope it endures long past my lifetime, nothing is guaranteed and nations rise and fall. My hope can’t be in America to be constant.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91: 11

This is the first presidential election I have voted in and to be honest it felt like a moral paradox than letting my voice be heard. I did all the research, prayed, but still sent my ballot in not knowing if I made the right decision.

Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity. Psalm 91:2

Thankfully, God is in charge of lifting up leaders, not me. He rises them up and brings them down sometimes for reasons only known to Him. No matter what, he reigns above. There’s a kingdom much higher and more permanent than the American government and thank God for that.

The Lord knows all human plans; he knows that they are futile. Psalm 94:11

There’s a righteous anger fueling this election. An anger about injustice, about the value of life, about equality. This anger is good, but too often an unrighteous anger sneaks in, too. An anger that makes us hate our neighbors and believe people are the problem and if only we could change those people.

As someone who wants to know deeply what is right and wrong, it’s done me so much good to remember people are not the enemy and neither political party is the enemy. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the dark powers at work in the world. The devil doesn’t care if you’re a democrat or republican so long as you are angry at your neighbor. Hate and division are not the goal of righteous anger.

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity. Psalm 96:10

I am so thankful there is a perfect judge. I understand the rage that might come when someone believes the government is the only hope of a judge. Even if the President, Congress, or Supreme Court do a great job, it’s never a perfect one. There is coming a day when the Lord will judge justly and bring permanent equality.

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:8

What a gift to know there’s a heavenly kingdom above the earth. What a blessing to know the Lord pursues us as a loving Father no matter what. (Can I get an amen that Christmas is so soon!?)

Today, if only you would hear his voice. Psalm 95:7b

My prayer for you and America today is that the imperfections of our country will cause us to turn our heads to heaven, to the good and perfect king. He is the stronghold we need.

No matter who wins, today can’t save you. There is not eternal life to be found in this. If you don’t believe there’s a God on a throne above this, I pray you hear his voice today.

The Lord said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.”

Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 1 Kings 19:11