Oy,
this election. You're killing me, Smalls.
Election
seasons are hard. This is nothing new, and yet every time one happens
we seem to act even crazier than before. I will admit, however, that
this one is particularly bad, for reasons of which I'm sure some of
us are all too aware.
Beginning
long before this outlandish spectacle began, I have often found
myself under the spell of discouragement, and even at times, of
despair. As the world appears to spiral more and more out of control
with each passing day, I get caught up in the horror of it all far
more often than I should. It's like a disease that flows over into
other parts of my life, affecting even the areas that are supposed to
be filled with joy.
That
is complete and utter insanity.
Given
all I know about God and His promises, and His incredible grace and
love, I am nothing but a great fool when I give myself over to the
pain and confusion this world has to offer. Why do I hold this
redemptive hope in my hands and still walk around like it doesn't
exist? I have everything and act as though I have nothing.
Every
obstacle should be viewed as more opportunity to grow in grace, to
fully understand that my life does not end with my departure from
this earth. If it did, I'd have every reason in the world to
fret, throw my hands up in disgust, and give up. Instead, I have
every reason in the book to celebrate.
God
is sovereign. “I
know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be
thwarted” (Job 42:2). “The Lord has established his throne in the
heavens, and his kingdom rules over all” (Psalm 103:19). None of
this has changed. Just because I feel as though everything is
completely out of control doesn't mean that it actually is.
He
is good. “And we know that for those who love God all
things work together for good, for those who are called according to
his purpose” (Romans 8:28). It doesn't look good. It doesn't feel
good. In fact, I'm willing to bet that most of us would describe the
past several months (and longer) as awful. But we trust in Him
and all His wisdom and might and love because HE is good. Even when
we're surrounded by the bad, we're enveloped in the good.
He
wins. “I
have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this
world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the
world” (John 16:33). We are already victorious. In
spite of ourselves,
all
that is messed up in this world will not defeat us.
We
will not remain in the wilderness forever.
I
am
vowing to remember these points as I set out to change my approach.
I've
lived far too long under the blanket of defeat, missing out on the
peace held out to
me just on the other side.
I
will rejoice because I still have the abundant life, and I carry blessings with me in each and every step I take.
I
will be thankful for that knowledge and remember that until my dying
breath, I will fight for what matters.
I
will not allow my sense of worth to diminish because I feel as though
my voice hasn't been heard.
I
will not forget that there is a plan and purpose for it all, even
when it hurts, even when it sucks, even when I am in fear.
I
will seek to live in the light of glory, praising Him with every
breath.
I
will not throw my hands in the air and give up and quit fighting and close my
eyes and wait for it all to be over. I will not let the fire in my
soul burn out. I will walk this weary road, but I will not forget
where it leads.
