Seeking God’s Peace in a Divided World

Some of us felt elated on Wednesday morning, while others did not. Whether on the blue or red team, we all have something to learn. Press and social media incessantly buzzed leading up to the election. It was hard to get away from being sucked into reading yet another headline.  Perhaps you have heard or had the experience of challenging or extreme conversations with a loved one about who they were voting for.

I didn’t stay up on Tuesday night to wait for the results. I went to bed asking God to still my heart, remind me of his lessons, and accept the outcome. Thoughts ran through my head from the recent trip to the incredible National Parks of Utah. God, the creator of this world, is mightier than any election.

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:35-39

Whether we are on the red or blue team, we must learn from one another. Paul wrote to the Philippians, encouraging two women to reconcile. He asked the community to aid them in this.   

I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:2-3

Perhaps he needed to give some advice on how to come to terms. He continues with one of my favorite verses:

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

Can we find a way to understand one another even if we disagree?

Sometimes, I can’t sleep at night. I’ve been told that if you lie awake for over 20 minutes, get up and read to get back to sleep. I got up and grabbed my book, Living Fearless, by Jamie Winship. For any given situation, he poses is, “Do we ask God, ‘What do you want me to know about this, and what do you want me to do with this knowledge?”’

What does God want us to know about this election? What does he want us to do with this knowledge?

For each of you, that may be an entirely different answer. Do we find that answer when talking with him in earnest?

My fervent prayer is we listen to our hearts and answer him.
All is in God’s hands in God’s time.

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

Let us focus on what God is asking us to do.
What is God asking of you?

Peace be with you.