His Word Stands
When 2020 began, I liked to joke around with people by saying, “Who’s excited about another election year?” Everyone would laugh and roll their eyes a bit. It seemed like a fun, unifying, and pressure-relieving joke back then. But now, mentioning this year’s election does not lighten the mood. It feels super divisive and it stirs up a tension that threatens any hope of relief even after the election is decided.
Because of that pervasive reality, and since this is my last post before the election, I have this to offer our souls:
The library of Scripture has seen the rise and fall of empires, nations, rulers, and philosophies. Scripture has often been reviled and there have been attempts to erase it from the human psyche completely. Yet, today, it still stands firm and faithful as a guide for, and a warning to humanity.
I pray these words will wash away the pollution in your soul, comfort your weary spirit, ease your troubled mind, and help your hands, feet, and mouth to know what can be done, no matter what the election brings.
What God will do:
Great and powerful God…determined in purpose and relentless in following through, You see everything that men and women do and respond appropriately to the way they live, to the things they do.
—Jeremiah 32:19 (MSG)I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans."
—Job 42:2 (MSG)We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God’s purpose prevails.
—Proverbs 19:21 (MSG)God takes the wind out of Babel pretense, He shoots down the world’s power-schemes. God’s plan for the world stands up, all His designs are made to last.
—Psalm 33:11 (MSG)“…I am God, and there is no one like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My purpose shall stand, and I will fulfill my intention.’”
—Isaiah 46:9-11 (MSG)We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
—Romans 8:28 (NIV)The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance.
—2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
What we can do:
The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for that is the whole duty of everyone. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil.
—Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (RSV)For in Him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through Him and for Him.
—Colossians 1:16 (NIV)First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
—1 Timothy 2:1-4 (RSV)Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
—1 Thessalonians 5:18 (ESV)Make the Master proud of you by being good citizens. Respect the authorities, whatever their level; they are God’s emissaries for keeping order. It is God’s will that by doing good, you might cure the ignorance of the fools who think you’re a danger to society. Exercise your freedom by serving God, not by breaking the rules. Treat everyone you meet with dignity. Love your spiritual family. Revere God. Respect the government.
—1 Peter 2:13-17 (MSG)
Grace and peace to you and yours,
David
Scripture marked MSG is taken from The Message (MSG), Copyright © 1993, 2002, 2018 by Eugene H. Peterson
Scripture marked NIV is from Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture marked RSV is from Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright © 1946, 1952, and 1971 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture marked ESV is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.