The news is filled with bad news. For a while I stopped watching the news completely because it was filled with only negative things and is usually biased to the news channel owner or supporters. However with it being an election year I have tried to follow as much of the races that impact my regional, state and of course the national races. The news and commercials also are still filled with mostly bad news. It can be disheartening to see the state of our nation through the eyes of the news and political ads. Social media has only added to the bad news as rumors and opinions are spread as facts and facts are twisted to give the upper hand to the other party – regardless which side your one.
I try to view all reports in light of my trust is in the Lord, and all authority is given by Him. I remember a sermon series I watched from John Bevere. He made the statement “All authority is God-given, but not all authority is godly.” That statement has really stuck with me. I trust that regardless who wins the election in November, God is still in control. Even if we are shocked by the results, God will not be. He has given them the authority. All their actions will likely not be godly, regardless of who wins. Regardless, God has called me to submit to the governing authorities.
Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God. Romans 13:1
As the election approaches, and I can imagine in the weeks and possibly months following, we have to decide if our trust is in the competency or lack of competency in the person in office or if it is in the God who cares for us. If it is in God, today, and every day that follows we should be lifting up in prayer those in office. When the news is bad we need to turn our trust to God to turn around the situation or use it for His glory.
The Bible is filled with people facing bad news on the political front. Joseph, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, Paul, Moses’s mother, Jesus’s earthly parents all faced impossible governmental situations. News that wasn’t just bad but would end in death – of themselves or their child. They didn’t hit the streets in protest (Or in social media), they didn’t rise up in anger at the “injustice”. They hit their knees in prayer and were obedient to God. Yes, sometimes they stood in opposition – but it was respectful. They didn’t call the leader bad names or slay the leader’s character. You don’t see any of them trying to convince others of their opinion.
When it comes to bad news, we need to stop sharing it and give it to God. We need to be obedient to what He tells us to do and stop trying to get the world to agree with our point of view. In a lifetime devotion I read once, I came across this quote “People may resist our help, spurn our appeals, and reject our suggestions, but they are powerless against our prayers.” If we would spend just half as much time in prayer as we do at trying to force our help and beliefs on others, I am confident, that the world would be a better place!
This blog is part of a #Write31Days series on trust. 31 Days is an online writing challenge, where bloggers pick one topic and write a post on that topic every day.
Restoring Voice 