Humility and Hope

John Eldredge sends a video by email every Friday morning.  Today, he talked about the coming elections - how they are consequential and contentious - and how God's people would do well to center our hearts in His care and pray the following verse...

I appreciated that reminder, so I wanted to share it with you.

I recently updated my FB cover photo to this verse where God encourages us to be still and remember that He is in control, and He will be honored and exalted.  No matter what happens next month, our ultimate HOPE is secure in Christ.  It's the safest place for our hearts.

As far as the coming election goes, I voted via absentee ballot a couple weeks ago.  I won't get into specific opinions here, but I am grateful for important conversations with wise friends, growing insight, a VP candidate I believe in, and feeling more peace and hope than I have in the past few election cycles.  (Ironically, trusting God is often easier for me in massive, globally-important matters than it is in personal matters.)

Praying for God's people to take sin seriously and repent and seek Him wholeheartedly, which is what He very clearly asks us to do in order to receive His healing in our nation (2 Chronicles 7:14).  God knows all hearts, and He will not be blaming those who are lost or holding them accountable for national corruption and failure.  Also praying for the personal wisdom not to engage in foolish arguments that go nowhere, and that I would feel more resilient and supported and heard and less isolated and defensive and dismissed than I have in past years.

Another good reminder:

I fully understand how exhausting, divisive, and triggering political conversations can be... often getting into vitriol, belittling, bullying, and dehumanizing the opposing side.  It's never okay.  As Christians, let's strive to remember that people spanning the wide range of the political spectrum matter to God, are created in His image with inherent dignity, worth, and value, and have valid concerns and a personal background that informs their unique political views and opinions.  Word choices matter.  Character matters - (in our leaders, but also in our personal lives).  And respect and humility go a verrry long way.

So wherever you may stand on that spectrum, I love you and believe in you, and God does too.  Praying for His will to be done here on earth as it is in Heaven!

❤ ❤ ❤