During this election season, my heart has been quite grieved seeing the fear, hate, worry, maliciousness, and despair permeating conversation from all angles. It accomplishes absolutely nothing other than to insult, demean, and destroy relationships. As believers we are called to do the exact opposite. It is so easy sometimes to forget that we are not actually the ones in control of our lives, situations, or government officials. We should go out and vote, but Scripture is clear that “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement” (Romans 13:1-2).
This passage has a lot of conversation points in it, but I just want to emphasize the fact that God puts people in authority. He is the ultimate master who decides who becomes a governing entity or who wins an election. And we don’t at all have to understand why He allows someone or some entity to be in power, but we are called to trust Him since it is impossible for us to fully understand God and His reasoning. We are such finite, mortal, and sinful beings, it is truly impossible for us to fully understand God’s logic and purpose. But reading Psalms 62 this morning I was reminded quite clearly that our hope and salvation is solely found in God. As a pastor I heard recently said, “in light of eternity, this election is small. In light of God’s eternal plan, this election is small. In light of what the function of the church is, this election doesn’t change that.” Let us all be reminded of who is actually in power and control.
Psalms 62:5-12
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence
For my hope is from him.
He only is my rock and my salvation,
My fortress; I shall not be shaken.
On God rests my salvation and my glory;
My mighty rock, my refuge is God.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
Pour out your heart before him;
God is a refuge for us.
Those of low estate are but a breath;
Those of high estate are a delusion;
In the balances they go up;
They are together lighter than a breath.
Put no trust in extortion;
Set no vain hopes on robbery;
If riches increase, set not your heart on them.
Once God has spoken;
Twice I have heard this:
That power belongs to God,
And that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
For you will render to man according to his work.”
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