Pastor Sandy Wright
North Patrick Charge
United Methodist Church
What can I share with you today that will give peace to your heart after a week that has changed our nation like the past week has? Well, there are many things actually. Whether your candidate won or lost in the national election the ultimate concept we all must remember is that God is still on the throne!
There are many pews in our churches that sat a little bit stiffer Sunday than they did the week before. There may be many of you that disagree a lot with your neighbors, family, and your friends over the outcome. However, the bottom line is God is still in control. We need to remember that scripture reminds us over and over again not to put our trust in man or woman, for that matter, but to trust in God.
There has been so much mudslinging over the past 18 months and quite frankly, I’m sick of it. I am thankful the election process is behind us. I am grateful that we live in a nation where all voices can be heard. I am thankful for those who gave their lives and are continuing to serve to provide that right for us all.
I am most thankful that God forgives us, when we confess and ask for forgiveness, for the ugly things we said about one or the other candidate. And I am thankful that my future, my eternal future does not rest in the hands of government, or principalities, but in the hands of my loving God.
Although I recognize there are many who are not happy with the outcome, I also recognize that in scripture, Philippians 4:4, as Paul admonished the church at Philippi, “Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: rejoice! Philippians 4:6 , 7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Our responsibility is to pray and trust God.
Our nation needs our prayers. Our leaders need our prayers. The Kingdom of God needs to unite and be the Kingdom of God in this world because there is enough evil in it.
We need to humble ourselves and pray. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says “If my people, who are called by my name, will 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.”
Folks, we need to humble ourselves, pray and seek the face of God because our nation needs healing. Will you join me as I pray?