Sunday Meditation July 14th, 2024 Politics Anxiety

 July 14th, 2024

Sunday Meditation

As I thought about what happened in Pennsylvania (Trump shot in ear), I  grow more and more weary.  Anything I think might be fit to post is inadequate. It’s too superficial, too broad brushed, too narrow minded, or it has been said so many times before it has lost all meaning.

Politics has always been a controversial issue for Christians.  It has the ability to divide families, split churches and denominations.  The reason for that is simple.

Politics is Power

We all seek power. Power to insulate ourselves from the bad things that are out there.  Power to impress our will on the outcome of events. And since we know what God’s will is, we are right to impose our will, excuse me - God’s will on others.  You can see the slippery slope we believers are dealing with.

My Bible reading this morning include Philippians 4:6-7

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus".

I’ve been taught to pay close attention when reading scripture to  phrases or specific words that seem to stick out and cause your mind to pause and take notice.  I try to practice that when I read anything.  What caught my attention this morning was the areas of our lives where scripture says it was ok with God for us to be anxious about…It was zero.  

He says (my translation),  “don’t be anxious about ANYTHING”.  “But when you do find yourself in a situation that is causing you to be anxious, in EVERY situation like that, talk (pray) to me about it, TELL ME what you want (petition).  No matter how stressed out you are, do this with a thankful heart, knowing I, God, is as a thorny, impenetrable, hedge around your heart and mind that the Dark Side cannot penetrate.  Despite the roar of the lion and the yipping of the hyena, YOU ARE SAFE, beyond their reach, period.

When you understand this, really understand this, you will have a sense of peace that is beyond human comprehension to understand, and this peace shall keep you, and protect through ALL things that befall you.  That’s a promise.”

It was good to hear this this morning, as politics is a subject that can trigger a case of high anxiety in me pretty easily.  I ask myself, why is it so?  I must entertain the idea that I trust God in most areas of my life, but sad to admit, maybe not so much in the area of politics.  If Politics = Power, is my anxiety telling me I really don’t think God’s got everything under control?  I think that is exactly what it is.  I see so much at stake and vulnerable to mankind's lust for god-like powers, I’m not really trusting God to do the right thing.  I hope you can see that God is pointing out to me the slippery slope of weak faith I am walking too close to.

I think if we live a life that is in accordance  with His desires, and that we speak often and freely with those who govern over us on this issue of living in accordance with God’s will, we will have fulfilled much of our obligations as a Christian citizen of the USA. 

Luvya,

bobb