It's one day post-election.
Yep. I'm going there. But just kind of. No worries. I don't think I'll enrage anybody.
Two o'clock this morning, America likely set a record in numbers of both tears and fist bumps. I understand both. I can relate to the fear, the sorrow, the frustration, the relief and the joy of victory.
We're passionate people who love our country, or in some cases, who (at least now) hate our country. We're finding ourselves at odds with people on Facebook, at work and even in our own households. Most of this will die down as do most broken hearts and feelings of hopelessness and despair. Anyway, I hope so.
But I hope our passion to seek a better place to grow our families won't be extinguished. I pray that even if the vote went our way, we won't be satisfied, but rather our hopes redirected and united. Both sides want many of the same things.
It wasn't, nor will it ever be in the cards, for us to elect an earthly leader that fits America's needs perfectly. This election's candidates were so far from the mark.
Thank goodness we have a pertinent reminder of the qualities we can depend on in a good leader. The twenty-two verses in the 25th Psalm are full of good leadership attributes, ones we only find consistently in our savior.
Psalm 25 reminds us that our sovereign is trustworthy (v.2). He's our hope (v.3). He enlightens our path (v. 4-5, 14) He's revelation! (v.4) He is our savior (the ONLY savior) (v.5). Our leader is forgiving and merciful (v.6-7). He's FOR US! (v.7). Our God is good and upright (v. 8). He's loving and faithful (v.10). And remember, he's near! (v.14). He will protect us. (v. 15,20). He's gracious. (v.16) Aren't we thankful?
He's healer, and oh how we need healing. (v. 17-18) He redeems! (v. 22)
What more could we ask for our nation?
David also gives us a good reminder.
- Let us not lose hope (v. 3). Trust God.
- May we be teachable. "Show [us] your ways, O LORD", helping us follow them (v. 4)
- Be humble, for he guides the humble. (v.9)
America has a true ruler; a sovereign whom we can choose to acknowledge. Not just in this time of change, but daily. If you're a believer, no matter who you supported in this race, you have the opportunity and responsibility to pray and pray hard.
Pray for our country, for our president and other leaders. Pray for the lost. We can't deny our need for prayer. Our need for God is what we all have in common.
Unite us, Lord.
...we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people— the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel
Colossians 1:5-6