We have hoped in youNovember 04th, 2020

2020 has been a year unlike any other in our lives. That uniqueness figures to be accentuated dramatically as we roll this month into the holiday season. First, though, as we go into November we vote. We exercise our rights to elect our     national, state, county, and local leaders not to mention a number of measures and propositions. It is easy to get caught up in the flood of “bad news” that continues to be ever rising all around us, then give in to anxiety. These are amazing times we live in: times ripe with fear, times ripe for revival. It is good, in times like these, for the children of God to step back and get perspective from the Bible. A passage from the Psalms gives much cause for hope in troubling times:
 
Psalm 33:16-22, 16 The king is not saved by a mighty army; a warrior is not delivered by great strength. 17 A horse is a false hope for victory; nor does it deliver anyone by its great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His lovingkindness, 19 to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name. 22 Let Your lovingkindness, O Lord, be upon us, according as we have hoped in You. NAS
 
There is no substitute for the fear of the Lord and for placing our hope in his lovingkindness. Whether the times are prosperous or troubling the substance for the child of God remains the same: we wait in hope for the Lord. Indeed, in Him there is bright optimism, each day brings new opportunity, and His mercies are new every morning.
 
So, as we head into the holidays this month, our celebrations may be a little different than last year, but in the hope of our Savior, they are even more significant as we move forward. This month we celebrate many things. First our political freedom as we go to the polls, on November 3rd. Then on November 11th is the day to thank and celebrate those men and women who have served in the United States military – Veteran’s Day. And finally, on November 26th we, as a nation, give thanks to God. As followers of Jesus we ought to be shining examples of what each of these events mean.
 
Finally, I encourage you to remember the command of Scripture to pray for our leaders, regardless of whether your candidates and causes won or lost. It is a good reminder that the substantial exercise of our freedom begins after we vote, when we consistently lift up those governing our nation before the throne of Grace.
In Christ our living hope,

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