Stop for a moment and breathe

Can we just stop for a moment and breathe? Now that you are relaxed a bit I want you to slowly read the next sentence. Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except which that God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Before we start hammering away with political opinions and personal opinions, we need to seriously think about this verse. God is not now nor will he ever be bound by a political party or agenda. He is God and he is sovereign. On Jan. 20, the world watched as Donald Trump took the oath of office. He became the 45th president of the United States. Did God step away from his throne and turn his head away? Some might like to think that but that is not what happened at all. God has not lost control and the United States is not doomed because of an election. He is still on the throne and he is still all-knowing and all-powerful. No matter who resides at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, God is still on the throne and Jesus is sitting at his right hand interceding for you and for me. What are we to do? I am so glad you asked.

1 Timothy 2:1-3 says I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good and pleases God our Savior who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. We are supposed to pray for all those that are in authority. Our local officials all the way to the President of the United States of America need our prayers not that my will is done but that the will of God be done. We may not agree with their politics but we cannot argue that them being in an elected office is not accidental. Bitterness and hatred never accomplish anything except making things worse. The second question that you have to ask yourself is do you have faith in God?

Do we really believe that God is omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent? If we do, why are we covering ourselves with sackcloth and ashes and wailing because our will was not done? This could quite possibly be the very thing God is wanting for you that are having a very hard time trusting that the government will do what it needs to do. Stop looking to the politicians for your help. Look to the Lord for your help. God is no respecter of person. He loves each one of us with an unfailing love. Yes, you may be scared about the economy or the policies, but don?t you have faith that God is bigger than that? Ask the Lord to give you confidence in him. In the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we read that at the crucifixion Jesus lifted up his head as he was about to die and said these wonderful words. Father forgive them. In those words, we see what we must be. We must be forgiving because Jesus Christ was forgiving. Those words forgave Caesar, the guards, and the spectators. In the agony of all that was the crucifixion, Jesus chose forgiveness over condemnation and forgiveness over fault. How much more should we chose love over hate?

Our legislators need our prayers. They are making decisions that impact each of us. Whether it be the Iowa State House or the full joint session of Congress, each man and woman needs the direction of Almighty God. Pray for them daily. We live in the greatest country on the planet and I thank God for that. God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and a sound mind. We have the power to stop hate and that starts by stopping it in ourselves through the power of Jesus Christ. We must do everything through the lens of love so that our mind can be sound and stable. It does not matter who you pulled the lever for in November. God is still in control.

As we begin this new year, maybe you feel the nudge in your heart to change your past direction and pursue God. Every one of us in on a journey to get closer to God. We would love to help you on that journey called life. Come experience Washington First Assembly. Our service times are Sunday mornings at 10 a.m. and Sunday evening at 6 p.m. We also have Wednesday evening family night service at 7 p.m. Our address is 1602 East Washington Street across from the bowling alley. Find us on Facebook or online at www.washingtonfirstassembly.com