You Choose

All of America is on edge in anticipation of the Election Day results. I get it—there is much at stake. The problem at hand is much bigger and more complicated than the average American citizen can comprehend—me included. In response to the overwhelming magnitude of the situation, everyone’s emotions are running on high alert.

No need to continue to state the obvious. I would rather like to shift the focus. We have a choice. We can make the decision to tune into the election results all day— filter through the endless headlines, broadcasts, opinions, watch the statistics board changing constantly, or we can choose to disengage.

Imagine leaving the drama that tomorrow promises to bring outside the boundaries of our eyes and ears. What if we made the choice to use our time effectively—investing it on something that will actually yield results? What if we set time aside to pay attention to what God is saying in this moment?

As I have taken time over the past several weeks to be intentional about tuning out the news and spending time in God’s presence, I have been able to surrender my anxious thoughts about all that is happening in the nation, and tap into God’s peace.

I have found His peace, which surpasses all understanding, inundate my soul and calm every emotion. I can hear God saying that His plans and purposes for my life have not changed; they are not dependent upon who is elected this year, or which party controls the Senate and House of Representatives. The same is true for you.

When our lives are submitted to God’s divine plans, we can stand secure in His unfailing love and ability to provide for us in every way—despite the chaos whirling around us. No matter what the outcome, God is still on His throne, His word is still true. With those facts in place what do we have to fear?

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

Sure, things around us may get worse before they get better, or maybe they won’t. We can’t control that outcome. Either way, we need not fear.  So the choice is yours. How are you going to spend the precious hours of your day?Will you worry about something you cannot control or embrace the day with anticipation of God’s blessings overtaking you?

God’s word tells us to think on things that are true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy.  Unfortunately, none of these is how I would describe Election Day. So we have a choice to make. Face tomorrow according to God’s way of doing things, or submit to the world’s way. One leads to peace, the other is full of anxiety.

I know what my choice will be…what about you?

-Lucy Ann