Vicious debates. Degrading Commercials. Facebook Blow-outs.

 

This election is a war zone.

As much as I want to join the bandwagon, lamenting the flaws of the candidates, may Jesus’ words guide my opinion-flaunting:

“He who is without sin cast the first stone.” (John 8:7)

and

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Matt 7:1)

With the same biting words that I criticize Trump, or slander Hillary, it will be measured back to me.

Measured back to me, long after the dust settles. Measured back to me six terms from now, even. Measured back to me in eternity, lasting far longer than an election year.

This does not mean I have stopped talking completely about the elections, but it has forced me to the conviction that with every political discussion I find myself engaging in, I am called to stop or at least close the conversation with

PRAYER.

My spouting out of personal opinions can change NOTHING. But going to the One in whose hands the “heart of the king” is held (Proverbs 21:1) can change everything. He is the one who who holds this election. He is the One who can change this election.  He is the One who has told us to pray for “peace of the city (or country)” (Jer. 29:7), told us to listen to the Word and act on it (James 2:17-18), and told us to pray for those in authority (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

I know one thing from those Ancient Writings which have stood the test of time…God always promised refuge and refreshment for countries in the wake of repentance. And is not prayer a sign of repentance? Prayer- a ceasing of dependence on self, one’s own agenda, or political party and moving into complete dependence upon one’s Creator.  And throughout history, change did not come simply with the repentance of the king (or the political candidate), but repentance of the people.

And the only people that I really have fully influence over is…me. So it starts with me, repenting of the ways that I have been egotistical, and made sweeping judgements, and threatened drastic protocol over the the small piece of the planet that I have had been entrusted with dominion over (my home and family). (I have threatened to build huge walls to separate bickering children)

It starts with me repenting of the ways I have been two-faced and used my position of power to amass resources and conveniences for myself….me, repenting of  blaming everyone else for my failures and weaknesses….me, repenting of ways I claim to value children but then destroy them for the sake of conveniences. (“behind the scenes” or “in the womb” of my home)

Yes, for every finger pointed at a political candidate, I have 60 (little ones) that could point at me, and my “homeland security policy” and condemn me.

So instead of blaming political parties, and individual candidates…instead of mocking ridiculous speeches full of audacious claims or flat out lies…instead of  living paralyzed in fear of what is to come if either candidate wins, I will confess.

Confess my (and our country’s) desperate need for a righteousness not our own.  I confess my need for God to answer the prayer,

“teach me to profit and lead me in the way I should go”

for the mess I am in, the mess we are in, calls for a wisdom far greater than my own.

A wisdom far greater than our country’s polls will produce.

A wisdom from above.

 

 

Join with me in consulting the WISE ONE in prayer and fasting, in this final week before all the ballots are in.  Before the entire influence of one of the most powerful nations on earth is entrusted to one, very fallible and very needy (whether they admit to it or not) human being.

“Then, I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes.  I prayed to the Lord my God and made confession, saying, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments….listen to the prayer of your servant and to his please for mercy, and for your own sake, O Lord, make your face to shine upon your sanctuary, which is desolate…For we do not present our please before you because of our righteousness, but because of your great mercy.

O Lord, hear.

O Lord, forgive.

O Lord, pay attention and act.

Delay not, for your own sake, O my God.

Daniel 9:3,4,17-19