Across the country I’m sure there were some who stayed up for late night election results. But that’s really not much different from what it has been for the last few elections.
I wrote this six years ago, the day after the elections then. Somehow I think it is very appropriate for today.
Based on last night’s election some feel they don’t have much to be thankful for this morning and some are elated. Some want to dance in the streets while others feel like punching something or someone. And others may have to wait days to know the final outcome in those races that are too close to call.
Now, more than ever, it’s time to let God’s word have final say. “In everything give thanks”, it doesn’t say “for” everything give thanks but in everything.
Not thankful for the circumstance or the situation but thankful because God is STILL in control. Read these words that the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Thessalonica.
“We ask you, brothers and sisters, to warn those who will not work. Encourage those who are afraid. Help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone. 15 Be sure that no one pays back wrong for wrong. But always try to do what is good for each other and for all people.
16 Always be full of joy. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Whatever happens, always be thankful. This is how God wants you to live in Christ Jesus.
19 Don’t stop the work of the Holy Spirit. 20 Don’t treat prophecy like something that is not important. 21 But test everything. Keep what is good, 22 and stay away from everything that is evil.
23 We pray that God himself, the God of peace, will make you pure—belonging only to him. We pray that your whole self—spirit, soul, and body—will be kept safe and be blameless when our Lord Jesus Christ comes. 24 The one who chose you will do that for you. You can trust him.” I Thessalonians 5:14-24
As long as there are imperfect men and women running for office there will be imperfect people who will win those offices. There is One who knows the beginning from the end. He is the God of peace and we are instructed to never stop praying.
Here is one more instruction from Paul to us who are believers. This is an admonition, not just for the day after election, but it should be a daily responsibility.
“First of all, I ask that you pray for all people. Ask God to bless them and give them what they need. And give thanks. 2 You should pray for rulers and for all who have authority. Pray for these leaders so that we can live quiet and peaceful lives—lives full of devotion to God and respect for him.” II Timothy 2:1-2 ERV
I love the last line of the chapter in Thessalonians. “You can trust Him” and so I will!