What Do We Do Now?

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The stress level appears high in this post-election culture. People are grappling with the results, including celebration, grief or hopeful anticipation that election results will change. A particular question has been posed to me several times, and it deserves an answer. Though worded in various ways, the question is, “What do we do now?” Here is my response.

Praise the Lord! You read that right. Praise the Lord! The Almighty God is on His throne in heaven. The One who conquered death still has all power in heaven and earth and is coming again. The truth is, we should live today just like we lived a year ago – or 10 years ago – or 1,000 years ago. A change in life does not change the way you or I live life. The Psalmist said, “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise You! I will praise You as long as I live, lifting up my hands to you in prayer” (Psalm 63:3-4, NLT).

Trust the Lord! The Christian’s confidence is never to be in men or government. Our confidence is in the Lord God Almighty. David exclaimed, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7, NIV). The lure of idolatry is subtle. It is easy to begin to find security in a bank account, job, or government. Sometimes the Lord removes an idol so that our attention returns to Him.

Honor the Lord! We vote our conscience as faithful citizens of this country. We strive to live godly lives that exalt Jesus Christ. We aspire to be the salt of the earth and light of the world, turning the attention of others to the cross. We hold to the Bible as God’s inspired Word and nurture our children in faith. We are the people of God living in a world that is continually turning away from the Lord. Godly people are compared to trees that have deep roots by living waters that bear good fruit in each season (Psalm 1). I love the text that says, “For I will honor those who honor Me” (I Samuel 2:30, NIV).

Find joy in the Lord! Our joy is never based in circumstance of life. The Christian’s joy is not found in a political party or person. Can a person be disappointed with the outcome? Sure! Should we live in despair? Never! Nehemiah declared, “The Joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10, NKJ).

Paul and Silas found themselves in a Roman prison, having been beaten for their faith in Christ and for preaching in Philippi. Despite their dank quarters and shackled feet, they started to sing to the Lord with joy! The wording is beautiful: “But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God,…” (Acts 16:25, NKJ). If you think you are walking through a midnight of life, then the proper response is