A week into a new Presidential Administration has proven to be very stressful for a weary nation. As of 1/27/17 5:53pm EST, our current US National Debt is close to $20 Trillion Dollars (that is 12 zeroes for those who are interested.) While our Tax Revenue is only $3 Trillion Dollars.
This is not an attempt to begin a political discussion; however, I have to admit if I were walking into a business deal short by $17 Trillion dollars I would be in for quite a migraine. Not to mention concern over the added responsibility to provide a safe environment for those placed in your charge.
So, I can imagine the pressure on the current Administration is pretty great. Add to that the mass fallout from peoples who are on the right and the left and I too am personally struggling. I can only imagine how our President feels.
Now at times in our life we all have to sit back and take inventory.
We audit our finances coming in along with our expenditures going out.
We review our life choices and consider changes that will allow us to grow whereby enriching not only our own lives but also our community and the next generation.
We take inventory of our goals and dreams and attempt changes that will place us one step closer to realizing same goals and dreams.
What happens if we don’t?
We will run out of money and the bank will come to collect.
We can find ourselves in a spiral of self-interest where we are creating a vacuum in the lives of others.
We will stagnate and possibly burn out.
Just as we have to take inventory of our life, our President has to take inventory of our nation. Why should it be any different? Yes there will be changes made, yes there will be changes that we don’t all agree with and yes we will all feel the pain from said changes. Some will be good, others will create growing pains but at the end of the day we are all in this together, otherwise we have chaos.
What can I do? Can I do anything?
YES! My heart has been so heavy this week over some of the opinions blasted over social media. When we are not held personally accountable for an action, we find it so easy to throw accusations at the one who is responsible. Unfortunately with the advent of the internet it’s so easy to find mud to sling at anyone whom we disagree or find ourselves at odds with.
But will you please hear my heart for a moment? WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER. Right, wrong or indifferent, we are neighbors, we are parents, we are leaders and our children need to see us step up, pull up our britches and work together to make this a better nation.
So, what does this mean for me? Well, I think Jesus gave us clear instruction on the matter and believe this instruction will benefit all of us in the long run.
1- Do not fear for I am with you, do not be dismayed for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right Hand.(Isaiah 41:10)
God is in control, in good times and bad times, God has a plan to give us hope and a future. We don't have to be afraid, even in trials He will uphold us and the good news is that we have story after story of God fulfilling the above promise in His Word.
2- Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12)
Yes, we will have trials and tribulations; however, along with this warning follows the promise of blessings from our Father when we persevere.
3- My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this:Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. (James 1:19)
We all have an opinion, but it is so important (especially now) that we listen and research all of the facts, steer away from opinion and be prudent with our words (both verbal and written) because our words cannot be taken back.Anger does not get us much more than a bag full of resentment.
4- Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
What are “these things?” All of your needs, a reward from your Father, treasures in Heaven, and best of all a beautiful relationship with The One who knows your heart better than anyone else. God knows what we need and will provide.
5- Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.(Proverbs 3:5-6)
We get stuck on this one in so many ways, perhaps it’s the “SUBMIT” part, but the truth is that when we trust in him and submit completely he takes away the worry, the fear and the need to “MAKE THINGS RIGHT.” And as a bonus, he leads us in the way we should go with confidence that HE WILL MAKE THINGS RIGHT.
6- Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. (Luke 11:9)
This one is self-explanatory. PRAY and BELIEVE He will answer. Sure it may not be in your timing and it may not be the outcome you expected but He will provide according to His perfect plan and purpose.
There is one thing we can be assured of, life is never easy and we will face challenges, but we are promised that our God will be with us in the challenge. And when we follow the 2 greatest commands Jesus left us, to love God and love our neighbor, we find that the challenges tend to work themselves out very quickly. So let’s trust Him to get us through, stand together and pray that He will grant wisdom and discernment to those in Washington who are leading this country into tomorrow.
Father, we thank You for Your providence. We thank You for the many blessings You have afforded us both personally and corporately. Lord, we pray for our nation, we pray for our leaders and we pray for the unity of all Americans that You will continue to provide and help us work toward a better tomorrow for our communities and the next generation. We love You and thank You for all You will do on our behalf.
In Jesus’ Name
AMEN