The first election I ever paid attention to was in 1992. Billy Ray Cyrus was singing about his Achy Breaky Heart and the three political candidates were Bill Clinton, George Bush (Senior), and Ross Perot. I was just shy of 18 years old and a little miffed that the only place I could vote was in the mock election in my high school civics class.
Many years later, I’m old enough to vote, but in some strange way, I wish I wasn’t. I wish this could all be someone else’s problem. Do you ever feel that way? That maybe you should stay in bed and let someone who is smarter and more informed and has a better handle on the situation go and do the heavy lifting?
It can happen in any area of our lives. We look outward and see someone who is a better parent, a better organizer, a better employee, a better friend. They just seem to do everything so effortlessly and well.
We look inward and see all the ways we fall short. Forgetting to ask our child about the math test or send that birthday card or make vegetables with dinner or make dinner at all! It seems like we never quite get it together.
Instead of looking outward or inward, may I offer another perspective? Maybe we should look upward.
When I start to think I’m not capable of making decisions for my own family, much less my country, I have to remember that I’m not actually in charge.
Did you catch that? I’m not actually in charge– and neither are you! HURRAY!
Now, sorry to cut short the celebration, but that doesn’t mean we get to sit back and relax. We still have a role to play. We have to do our part, but I’m convinced if we ask God to lead us (or take the lead!), He will.
Every time you feel confused or frustrated or overwhelmed, take it to God. In a tiny whisper, or just in your head, ask God to give you the patience, wisdom, discernment– whatever you need– to make a decision that will work inside His will.
Inside His will is a good place to be. We are “enough” there. We are capable of making tough decisions and can live with the joy and assurance that God has handled situations a lot stickier than anything currently facing us. He knows what’s coming, and He knows what He’s going to do about it.
Doesn’t it feel good to look up?
“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.'” Psalm 27:8 (NLT)
