Now What?

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:5-7 ESV). The Mid-term election results have been tabulated and most of the pundits have pronounced their verdicts concerning the meaning of the results. There have been posts and emails and conversations both public and private concerning what our future will now look like. Some would say it means all but the end of the world; while others proclaim it is the beginning of nirvana. Neither is correct! Some things may change while others remain the same; some will be difficult, while others will be easy. I want us to recognize that our future is not in the hands of others. When we concentrate on this truth, we can experience God's peace and freedom from anxiety. And we're we will be able to speak peace to others because of God's peace in us! Here are four suggestions to help you do that: 1. First, reflect His glory. There are always going to be those times in our lives when we are frustrated and tempted to outbursts. I wish I could tell you that I have always been able to control those outbursts, but that wouldn’t be the truth. What I can tell you is that when I realize my failure and seek other’s forgiveness for any wrong I might have done to them, it is always a means of bringing peace into their lives as well as mine. It reflects the glory of God in grace. 2. Second, know that nothing is impossible. Often our biggest problem is not lack of skill or resourcefulness or time; it's lack of faith. We don't believe things can happen. But God specializes in things that seem impossible. He can do what no other can do! Depend on Him to guide and direct you. He wants to. Trust the Lord! And watch as He unfolds His plans for you, and others, in His perfect timing. 3. Third, have no fear. Experts believe that most people have four basic fears: the fear of failure, the fear of rejection, the fear of risk or loss, and the fear of success. I'm sure you have experienced at least one of these fears at one time or another. That's only human. However, the Bible has something to say about how Christians should respond to fear: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare: but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe" (cf. Proverbs 29:25). When we focus on fear, we are paralyzed from acting. But when we focus on God, on His sovereign control over all things, on His love and care for us, we can move forward in obedience and work to satisfy God's will. 4. Fourth, remember that your God reigns. God has been, is now, and will forever be in control. Because it is always harder to face the future than the past, today can be a daunting and fearful day. The news is full of foreboding. I would remind you that Jesus’ promise to us is that he will NEVER leave us, even to the end of the age! Trust Him for the future!