God is Sovereign

Psalm 2 (NLT)

Why are the nations so angry?
    Why do they waste their time with futile plans?
2 The kings of the earth prepare for battle;
    the rulers plot together
against the LORD
    and against his anointed one.
3 “Let us break their chains,” they cry,
    “and free ourselves from slavery to God.”

4 But the one who rules in heaven laughs.
    The Lord scoffs at them.
5 Then in anger he rebukes them,
    terrifying them with his fierce fury.
6 For the Lord declares, “I have placed my chosen king on the throne
    in Jerusalem, on my holy mountain.”

7 The king proclaims the LORD’s decree:
“The LORD said to me, ‘You are my son.
    Today I have become your Father.
8 Only ask, and I will give you the nations as your inheritance,
    the whole earth as your possession.
9 You will break them with an iron rod
    and smash them like clay pots.’”

10 Now then, you kings, act wisely!
    Be warned, you rulers of the earth!
11 Serve the LORD with reverent fear,
    and rejoice with trembling.
12 Submit to God’s royal son, or he will become angry,
    and you will be destroyed in the midst of all your activities—
for his anger flares up in an instant.
    But what joy for all who take refuge in him!


Reflection

I thoroughly enjoy wrestling with my kids. As a hands-on dad, I've always been playful and roughhousing with all three of them, regardless of the fact that two are girls. I eventually stopped with my eldest daughter; after all, what 21-year-old wants to wrestle with her dad? My youngest daughter, at two years old, doesn’t have much say in the matter. However, my middle son, who is thirteen, doesn't seem to want to give it up.

It always amuses me when he gets that determined look in his eye, as if to say, "This time, I'll take him down." He strikes at the most opportune moment, only to find himself curled up in a pretzel, crying uncle in the end. Without fail, it happens every time.

To me, this scenario serves as a metaphor for elections—not just the upcoming one, but all of them.

Every four years, as a nation, we become consumed by fervor over who the next President of the United States will be. We seem to lose our senses, our families, and even our friendships over it. We invest our faith in a single individual, as if they alone will resolve all the issues plaguing our nation. We literally place our faith in a person. And with each individual we place our trust in, our nation drifts further away from God.

During every election, we seem to forget that God is ultimately in control of everything, and whoever wins is placed there by God.

"Why are the nations so angry? Why do they waste their time with futile plans?"

This should be the question we ask ourselves during every election cycle. Our efforts to change people's votes are futile, and only serve to fuel anger and destroy relationships. Instead, we should cast our votes and pray.

Let God be in control.


Action Steps

1.Take time to reflect on the concept of God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including elections. Remind yourself that regardless of the outcome, God is ultimately in control. This can help alleviate anxiety and frustration associated with political processes. After reflecting, ask God to give you peace in your heart and give everything to Him.

2.Instead of engaging in divisive arguments or attempts to sway others' opinions during election cycles, focus on promoting unity and understanding. Engage in respectful dialogue with those who hold differing views, seeking to understand their perspectives rather than trying to change their minds. Foster relationships based on mutual respect and love, rather than allowing political differences to drive wedges between friends and family.

 
Prayer

God, be with me during this upcoming election season. Give me wisdom in everything that comes out of my mouth toward others, and help me promote unity instead of disunity. Continually give me peace in my heart that You are in control. Amen.