After the election, now what?
By Paul Bawden
Yes, the elections in the United States are now history.
One of the most exciting things that has happened is that the many ads have ceased. And regardless of who was elected, the sun is still coming up and going down. People are still getting up and going to work. Life is going on as usual for many, but not so for those recently who experienced the loss of loved ones in the mass shooting in California, and now the devastating fires in California with the loss of precious life. Our prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones, and those who have lost all their possessions in the fire.
Back to the US elections, even if the person voted for did not get into office, the government is still there. Could there be some working together of the parties now that there is a divided House of Representatives? As one listens to what’s happening already, such is highly doubtful, although one would hope something good could happen in this regard. The different philosophies of the different parties, along with the selfish human nature, not only cause sharp disagreements, but even gridlock. One thing would be refreshing if the harsh rhetoric and accusations would subside. Adults should be able to accept honest election results and go forth to accomplish what is good for the citizens of the country. It will be interesting to see what happens as the New Year starts.
Being one who can get into politics, I need to check myself and really ask what is the most important thing in life. This is not to minimize the election process, nor the need for good government that is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
In that light, the other evening on election day, I was reading Psalm 16. These words jumped out at me as I read verses eight and nine, “I have set the LORD continually before me; Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices; My flesh also will dwell securely.”
Such words may mean very little to the person not interested in spiritual things. But for the believer in Christ, these words tell us that in spite of what happens in elections and in government, even in one’s personal life, family life, church life, or in one’s employment, the LORD, the self-existent One, the Redeemer, is in control, and He is the eternal foundation for one’s life. In Him, the believer can be glad and glory in who He is, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Yes, the elections are over. In spite of what government does or doesn’t do, and whatever else happens in the US, even in the rest of the world for that matter, the biblical God is in control and He is working all things after the counsel of His will to accomplish His good plan for the world. In the meantime, He is offering grace and forgiveness to any who will respond in faith to the life-changing gospel in Jesus Christ. Have you responded in faith to Jesus Christ? If you have, thank the Lord that He is the One you can trust and count on in spite of what you are experiencing in your life, and regardless of what is happening in the US and the world. He is in control! Give Him praise!!
Paul Bawden is married and served in the pastoral ministry for 45 years, retiring in 2011. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a B.A. in Speech and attended Dallas Theological Seminary, receiving a Master of Theology. He has taken counseling courses at Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. Paul is a lifetime member of the Evangelical Free Church of America, as well as being a member of Interim Pastor Ministries (IPM), which serves churches during their time of transition in searching for a new pastor. He writes for Union Gospel Press, as well as being a volunteer writer for GotQuestions.org. Paul likes to write, read, bike, and work in the yard. The Bawdens have had the privilege to travel to Mexico and Romania on mission trips and visited various countries in Europe.