I've felt blue all day today. I know why, but it's been hard to shake off the feeling. It's also hard to articulate. Our country is hanging under a dark cloud, and while I'm confident God is in control, I'm worried He is so disappointed in what we've become that He is about to issue devastating consequences.
I am a spoiled girl, wealthy by many standards. It's not that I am Rockefeller wealthy -- far from it! But my modest lifestyle is full of luxuries: hot showers, a comfortable bed, a cozy home, more clothes than I can wear, an auto that runs well, vacations, plenty of food, health - and health insurance for when I'm not quite healthy - family, friends, and neighbors to help me out if I need it. I'm so used to these things that I can easily forget I didn't always have them, and that many people in this world still don't. However, every material thing I have and every breath I take belong to God. He blesses me with all these riches now, but they are His, and He can take them back any time He wants.
Nothing in this election, either nationally or locally, has been encouraging or hope-inducing. Our choices for national leadership boiled down to the lesser of evils, and frankly, it was hard to determine who that was. I'm relieved the barrage of television and postal ads is over, but my unease is still there.
I recently read the book A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. I read it twice because although it was a short read, it was so rich in points to ponder that it deserved it. It offers insights into the reigns of Saul, David, and Absalom, which can easily be applied to what's happening in American politics. It also offers hope because God was, and is now, always in control. It helped me to understand that my view is narrow, but God's vision is all-encompassing. I really don't need to know the ginormous picture; I just need to trust in Him.
In the midst of yesterday's election day tensions, I happened across the web article "10 Things You Should Know about the Election" that puts things in Christian perspective. I found comfort in the article, particularly in points 5 (Gratitude is in order,) 9 (Christians should not allow the nature of politics in our country to affect our behavior for the worse,) and 10 (Christians should never lose sight of the two cities distinction set forth by Augustine.) It was worth reading. And rereading.
In this moment, I am grateful for writers whose experience and wisdom can help me understand and navigate through man's world as a God's girl. And I'm grateful I can use words to help dissipate anxiety about things I cannot control.
#electionstress, #electionoutcomeanxiety, #gratitude
I am a spoiled girl, wealthy by many standards. It's not that I am Rockefeller wealthy -- far from it! But my modest lifestyle is full of luxuries: hot showers, a comfortable bed, a cozy home, more clothes than I can wear, an auto that runs well, vacations, plenty of food, health - and health insurance for when I'm not quite healthy - family, friends, and neighbors to help me out if I need it. I'm so used to these things that I can easily forget I didn't always have them, and that many people in this world still don't. However, every material thing I have and every breath I take belong to God. He blesses me with all these riches now, but they are His, and He can take them back any time He wants.
Nothing in this election, either nationally or locally, has been encouraging or hope-inducing. Our choices for national leadership boiled down to the lesser of evils, and frankly, it was hard to determine who that was. I'm relieved the barrage of television and postal ads is over, but my unease is still there.
I recently read the book A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards. I read it twice because although it was a short read, it was so rich in points to ponder that it deserved it. It offers insights into the reigns of Saul, David, and Absalom, which can easily be applied to what's happening in American politics. It also offers hope because God was, and is now, always in control. It helped me to understand that my view is narrow, but God's vision is all-encompassing. I really don't need to know the ginormous picture; I just need to trust in Him.
In the midst of yesterday's election day tensions, I happened across the web article "10 Things You Should Know about the Election" that puts things in Christian perspective. I found comfort in the article, particularly in points 5 (Gratitude is in order,) 9 (Christians should not allow the nature of politics in our country to affect our behavior for the worse,) and 10 (Christians should never lose sight of the two cities distinction set forth by Augustine.) It was worth reading. And rereading.
In this moment, I am grateful for writers whose experience and wisdom can help me understand and navigate through man's world as a God's girl. And I'm grateful I can use words to help dissipate anxiety about things I cannot control.
#electionstress, #electionoutcomeanxiety, #gratitude