Established & Eternal

In five days half of America will be relieved and the other half will be devastated.

Has there ever been an election more emotionally charged? I dare say, not many are overjoyed with our options. I hear phrases like, “the lesser of two evils” and “vote policy, not personality” spoken with both panic and resignation.

We may forget that our single vote is not the determining factor. Nor is the electoral college. Nor is the last minute campaigning. As much as news outlets alarm us, the psalmist calms us. He refocuses us in Psalm 75:1-2 with God’s words.

“I choose the appointed time; it is I who judge with equity.
When the earth and all its people quake, it is I who hold its pillars firm.”

God’s vote is the determining factor. “He brings one down, He exalts another” (v7).

Is that too simplistic? Faith is simplistic. It’s affirming that God is God and I am not. The sum of my intelligence, influence, and intuition amounts to an anemic, limited understanding. I will gladly defer to the God who holds the pillars of earth firm, measures time in His hands, and judges with justice. I don’t know what tomorrow (or next Tuesday) will hold, but God knows the end from the beginning.

I invite you to simply rest. Trust the Creator of the world—He is dependable and steadfast—for time and eternity.

Plans & Purposes

Does Israel have a plan? Does Iran? Do the presidential candidates have honest plans that are not driven by political gain or party indulgence? Does FEMA have a plan to unearth and rebirth North Carolina? Do investors and financial planners have viable plans in this distressing economy? Do our educators have plans with integrity that will not undermine the rights of parents? Is there a border plan? A tax plan? A spending plan? A defense plan?

Does any mortal have a plan that is purely altruistic and not motivated by personal gain or status? Is any plan infallible? The best man can offer is inadequate and tainted, but God’s plans are firm, perfect, noble. They advance our well-being. They are righteous and good.

The plans of nations, presidents, military councils, engineers, financiers, instructors, or governors can be foiled, thwarted with one word from God. But His plans stand firm and His purposes do not change—they are always for our blessing and His glory—forever.

Man will disappoint with his superciliousness, greed, and deficiencies. God alone will never disappoint. Let’s be sure to put our hope in Him and trust Him only.

Believing and Adjusting

What do I believe when I hear reports of the wrath and destruction of war? Or when I gape in disbelief at the devastating pictures of nature’s unrestrained power? Or when I witness the aftereffects in our son’s body after only one week of chemo? Or when I cringe at the rage displayed in the current civil war in America? I will be overwhelmed if I fail to adjust what I see by what I believe.

I adjust my line of vision from what is before me and focus my eyes higher. I look up—to the God who sees all, knows all, and, yes, controls all. I believe in His purposes, His heart, and His sovereignty. I don’t argue with things too high or complex for my understanding.

I adjust my thinking and take my cue from the Psalms, professing ultimate, unequivocal truth.

The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty;
    the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength;
    indeed, the world is established, firm and secure.
Your throne was established long ago;
    you are from all eternity. Psalm 93:1-2

I will adjust my mind to dwell on what I know is true because what I see and understand is limited, too short-sighted. The God I believe is unlimited and sees the end from the beginning—I will choose to believe in Him, His grace, and His salvation.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart