POLITICS AND JOY
These are two words that do not seem to go together AT ALL. In this election year, many of us rather feel more like Habakkuk:
“How long, Lord, must I call for help,
but you do not listen?
Or cry out to you, “Violence!”
but you do not save?
Why do you make me look at injustice?
Why do you tolerate wrongdoing?
Destruction and violence are before me;
there is strife, and conflict abounds.
Therefore the law is paralyzed,
and justice never prevails.
The wicked hem in the righteous,
so that justice is perverted.”
People on any side of the political aisle have legitimate concerns. Concerns of violence, and injustice….destruction and conflict. Many feel the law is paralyzed, in congress, in the supreme court…if certainly feels like the “wicked hem in the righteous” and that “justice is perverted.”
Those feelings certainly make joy difficult when thinking of politics. But, as Pastor Lauren reminded us Sunday, joy is an attitude. And we have the most marvelous basis for this attitude in the Lord’s answer to Habakkuk:
“Look at the nations and watch—
and be utterly amazed.
For I am going to do something in your days
that you would not believe,
even if you were told.”
Understanding that God’s specific promises are not always for us may put a damper on accepting these words as a premise for joy. But these words beautifully point out the character of God, which never changes: HE IS ALWAYS WORKING. Regardless of what happens in November, in our personal lives, or anywhere else in the world: HE IS WORKING. And that is reason for joy.
To whom it may concern,
Good morning, Pastor Lauren! You’re so right, joy is an attitude we adopt as we mature in Christ despite what’s going on around us; I feel you. I’m truly convinced our God is wanting to do great things for the nations, and that includes America. There’s one problem: ‘fear of the other,’ greed, dominance, systemic racism, hatred of women, untruth, power, chaos and many more ills reigns at the moment. And, according to some, they will burn the house down to rule over the ashes that remain (I saw this quote other days).
Some people will do anything, even take the U.S. presidency by force and violence. Is this of God? Understanding God’s specific promises should be for us to do what’s right. What does the Lord require of us? Let’s not water down the Gospel, there are certain things we look for from our God, and one of them is peace. Another is Integrity. We keep looking to soiled and downright trash to lead us into harmony. You’re right, God never changes, but we would fantasize what we think he wants. His joy is our strength, our hearts need the strength of God to walk the dangerous paths before us. Must we be fretful all the time? Must we wake up day in and day out not knowing what goods and services will be taken away from hard-working, everyday folks?
I do know one thing, this world is not our own, we are pilgrims passing through. But in the meantime, what about our children and children’s children? Who is looking out for them? The wickedness released in the land because of hate and greed is too much. Come November, I’m hoping leadership will do what’s right and help us kick DT to the curb. He’s not a nice person and does not know how to govern.
According to Toby Mc, God Is rolling up his sleeves, working on our behalf; so, do we move in fear or vote for good common-sense governing? I’m just asking. May we reason together? I’m getting up in age. I’ve lived in two countries. I’ve seen what corrupt governing looks like. Let’s vote for peace, that’s one reason to be joyous today. Finally, blessings upon your household this day!
Regards,
Benilda (B) Tillman
To whom it may concern
I did double space, but it looks like I did not as I go over this brief note.