"I have lived a long time, sir, and the longer I live the more convincing proofs I see of this truth - that God governs in the affairs of men. "Benjamin Franklin
Today is a significant day in history, maybe not for the reasons the press is focusing on. Whenever a new President is Inaugurated, history is made. For a society that is so focused on becoming "color blind", quite a bit of emphasis has been placed on the color of the new President's skin. I am far more concerned with his experience, skill and belief system than I am with his age, background or skin color. There has also been repeated use of the word, "change". I think it is important to remember that not all change is good. Sometimes change is made in haste, and it leads to more trouble and unrest than there was to begin with.
In the past few weeks, I have realized that sarcasm about this new President's lack of experience leading anything, his personal beliefs and promises is not productive. Sarcasm and doubt don't ever change anything. Prayer does. So, Ryan and I spent some time praying for President-elect Obama last night. We prayed for his protection, for wisdom, for him to surround himself with men and women of experience and wisdom, for his family, for his ability to unite a nation that is so divided. I am praying that whether or not he believes in God, that God will use him in a powerful way in the next 4 years.
A recent study (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/06/23/AR2008062300813_pf.html) showed that more than half of all Americans prayed at least once each day. This has to be quite a mix of people, with an even more varied mix of beliefs. What if we all pray together for President Obama? Not that he can get gay marriage passed, or that he doesn't destroy the military, or that he can single-handedly fix the economy? What if everyone that believes in prayer just prays that he is careful and wise in how he leads us?
So, needless to say, I have been apprehensive (at best) about the new President. There are many different reasons for my apprehension. In the quiet last night as I was falling asleep, I was reminded that this country does not belong to Republicans or Democrats, liberals or conservatives, Christians or Atheists. This country belongs to God. My days are not determined by the President or Congress, but by the Sovereign God of the universe.
"… let’s remember that He is in control. Nothing alarms Him, or takes Him by surprise. Nothing is too big for Him to handle, or so small it escapes His attention. When the winds of my world begin to blow, He remains seated. When raging waves surround me, He governs their temper…I need not be moved … Because the Lord is seated and sovereign…He alone is sovereign." -Ronald James
