Nov. 4

 November 4. The day after Election Day 2020. I have not yet looked at the election results. By choice. Instead, I chose to spend these first moments with the Lord, irregardless of what those results are. I have not claimed "my candidate". My hope is not dependent on who wins or whether we've even been able to proclaim that one side has won. I woke up with these words going through my head:

"Let faith, rise up

Oh heart, believe

Let faith rise up in me."

I couldn't remember where these words fit until I googled them. Then I knew why it was on my mind; the song is called "Peace Be Still" (Hope Darst).

I'm not concerned with the outcome of the election. I know who is on the Throne no matter who is in the White House. There will be difficulties no matter who is declared the winner. My unrest comes from the words, actions and reactions of those I love. If there's one thing this election has given to us as a nation, both collectively and individually, it's a free pass to attack with vitriol and hate, feeling justified by one's own self-righteousness. 

When this song comes on the radio, the words that always jump out at me are:

"Peace be still

Say the word and I will

Set my feet upon the sea

Till I'm dancing in the deep"

Jesus, this is where I want to continue to be, no matter what I find when I'm ready to hear the news. Despite what's going on around me, I want you to still find me so focused on you that I'm willingly following you into the waves, walking on water and not faltering, until you lead me all the way into the deep. There I want to be so focused, so unafraid, that I'm dancing in the deep with you. I don't care who wins this election. I don't want to care what others say about me, or even assume about me. I don't want any of that to distract me from the plan you have for me. Just you and me, Jesus, walking into the hard places, dancing together in the deep. And on that day when you decide my work is done, I look forward to my forever with you, joined by the many that you've allowed me to serve no matter the waves swirling around. 

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart!

I have overcome the world.