Not my president....say what?

This might come across a bit like a soapbox rant, but would you please do me a favor and not use the phrase "not my president"? Now, I am talking about both sides here. I have heard/read this said/written tons of times over the past 4 years in regards to Trump and have recently begun seeing it now in regards to Biden. Just stop. You look foolish. If you are an American, Trump is your president. Period. In a few days Biden will be. Stating he (whichever) is not my president is just plain silly.

However, I believe I understand the sentiment behind using that phrase. You are disappointed, frustrated, sad, even angry. You don't think it is fair and you want that to be known (again, both sides). You are in opposition to what is currently happening and are tired of it (it being various for different people). I get it. I really do. I am sure you have heard the phrase "the world is going to hell in a handbasket" and honestly, that seems pretty accurate. So what's a believer to do?

I think Romans 12:18 is a great place to start. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Sometimes that is a hard pill to swallow. People get on our nerves, act stupidly, believe lies, and the list could go on an on. We want to tell them all about it. We want to point out their errors and show them the right way. There is a time and place for those conversations, but most of us go about it the incorrect way (guilty). We are to seek peace and pursue it (Ps 34:14). What does the Lord require of us? Micah 6:8 tells us "to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God."

What has happened recently in our capitol has been ugly and even fearsome for some. (I would like to point out that the capitol is just a building. There is nothing holy or sacred about a building.) However, if the last year has taught us anything, it is to not readily believe everything you read/see. There are so many conspiracy theories and "explanations" that it is hard to feel confident in one side over the other. However, we can be confident in God's sovereignty. He allowed Trump to be president just like He is allowing Biden to be president. He is not surprised, He is working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Just because we can't understand or see how He is working, doesn't mean He isn't.

Now don't get me wrong, there are many times in Scripture that God uses evil Kings or leaders to bring about punishment and repentance. Some might say that was the last 4 years while others will say it is the upcoming 4 years. It doesn't matter. I am praying for a revival. I am praying that as a nation we would turn from our pride and our disregard for God and turn to Christ instead. Only through the saving faith of Jesus is there hope. Only through God's grace is there peace. John 14:27 beautifully states: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." What confidence and heavenly peace Christ gives us when we truly believe in Him and His faithfulness.

"If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land" -2 Chronicles 7:14. That's our call to action. Christians need to stop trying to force their opinion through social media posts (I understand the irony here as this is a blog post) and instead, get on their knees in prayer. Seek peace and pursue it. Live peaceably with all. Overcome evil with good (Romans 12:20). Only the Holy Spirit can change the hearts of man. Only God can save our nation. Regardless of which side you fall on, would you pray with me? Till next time, love you all.