WHO’S IN CHARGE?

 The eyes of the LORD are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.

Proverbs 15:3 (NIV)

                Every year in November communities gather to exercise their right and responsibility as citizens. We call this annual gathering election day. Every four years we come together to elect the President. Every two years we come together to elect Congressmen. In addition, we vote for Governors and State representatives, as well as significant proposals. All of these things combined shape who we are as a nation.

                This time of the year tends to be a time fraught with anxiety and much hand wringing. Those whose party is currently in power worry that they will lose their control. Those whose party is not in power worry that they will not be able to gain control. Both sides of the aisle agonize over proposals that will have long-term consequences for all of us. In recent years, this anxiety has been stoked to a fever pitch. It has fostered anger, aggression, fear, and hopelessness. It has called into question the very system that has assured our freedom for generations. Some have even gone so far as to declare that if this current election doesn’t go their way it will be the end of democracy in America.

                As followers of Christ, we have not been immune to these trends. Many sincere Christians have been captured by a spirit of fear and discouragement. We have given in to the temptation to draw battle lines and stake our faith on the outcome. In all of this I think we have lost sight of who we are and who is really in control.

                The Bible makes it clear that the ebb and flow of our world will continue until Jesus returns. But the ebb and flow of our current society does not change the plans and purposes of God. God is still in control, even when we don’t see it. If we pay attention to the history of the people of Israel, we can see that God has used the ebb and flow of society to accomplish His purposes. As Pastor Larry Osborne has said, we need to remember that God is in control of those who are in control. Yes, even the ones who seemingly stand in opposition to the things of God.

                As a part of my daily devotions, I have been cycling through the book of Proverbs. I am on my third time through that book this year. Like many people, I had the idea that the book of Proverbs is a book of promises, but I have come to realize that it is not. It is a clear statement of the realities of the world we live in. Rather than promising us some blessing, it is stating what we can expect as we navigate this confusing and ever-changing world.

                Throughout Proverbs a common theme continues to emerge; God is in control. During the tumultuous time we find ourselves in, we can find comfort and courage in the assurance that even when things look the darkest, God is still in control. Let these words from Proverbs sink into your mind, your heart, and your soul, and give you comfort and courage to face the future.

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

Have no fear of sudden disaster or of the ruin that overtakes the wicked, for the LORD will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared. Proverbs 3:25-26 (NIV)

For a man's ways are in full view of the LORD, and he examines all his paths. Proverbs 5:21 (NIV)

The way of the LORD is a refuge for the righteous, but it is the ruin of those who do evil. Proverbs 10:29 (NIV)

The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous. Proverbs 15:29 (NIV)

The LORD works out everything for his own ends-- even the wicked for a day of disaster. Proverbs 16:4 (NIV)

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9 (NIV)

The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD. Proverbs 16:33 (NIV)

A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way? Proverbs 20:24 (NIV)

The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases. Proverbs 21:1 (NIV)