I’m writing this three weeks before America’s election of new government leaders, another historical transition. No matter who wins, some people will be disappointed and frightened of what is to come.
Many of my subscribing sisters in Christ live in nations with deeply corrupt governments. They’ve already learned the practical realities of living with our King Jesus Christ as those who have been transferred from the domain of darkness to the kingdom of light (Col. 1:13). I’ve learned so much from them, for American suffering pales in comparison.
I’ve had to shut off the fear-filled noise of frenzied speculation that assumes a particular government leader will fix all the problems in this world. Or that another will destroy everything, all somehow outside of God’s control. It makes my personal suffering even worse. Such an evil ploy of our tempter to tempt us to spiral into gloomy bitterness and hopeless fears.
Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he? (Is. 2:22 ESV).
The Lord keeps reminding me to turn my eyes upon Jesus, to look to the only One who is light in darkness! Let’s “regard” our King of kings and Lord of lords today, humbly rejoicing that we belong to Him, no matter what this election holds…or any resulting suffering.
As those who belong to the reigning King Jesus and His kingdom, praying and thanking God
…for kings and all who are in high positions,
that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.
This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior (1 Tim. 2:2-3 ESV).
The church’s one foundation
is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is his new creation
by water and the Word:
from heav’n he came and sought her
to be his holy bride;
with his own blood he bought her,
and for her life he died.
(“The Church’s One Foundation,” lyrics by S. J. Stone, 1866)
But let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious (1 Pet. 3:4 ESV).
Humbly worshiping Jesus, along with every brother and sister in Christ across all of history and place
Elect from ev’ry nation,
yet one o’er all the earth,
her charter of salvation
one Lord, one faith, one birth…
one holy Name she blesses,
partakes one holy food,
and to one hope she presses,
with ev’ry grace endued.
My reigning King Jesus, give me a peaceful and quiet life as I trust You
And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together (Col. 1:17 ESV).
The church shall never perish!
Her dear Lord to defend,
to guide, sustain, and cherish,
is with her to the end.
You do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes (Jas. 4:14 ESV).
King Jesus, remind me of Your promises to true believers
Though there be those that hate her,
and false sons in her pale…
For you save a humble people, but the haughty eyes you bring down (Ps. 18:27 ESV).
against or foe or traitor
she ever shall prevail…
Jesus, remind me of my promised hope in Your consummating Your kingdom forever!
‘Mid toil and tribulation,
and tumult of her war,
she waits the consummation
of peace forevermore!
The haughty looks of man shall be brought low, and the lofty pride of men shall be humbled, and the Lord alone will be exalted in that day (Is. 2:11 ESV).
Till with the vision glorious
her longing eyes are blest,
and the great church victorious
shall be the church at rest.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Col. 3:1 ESV).
Yet she on earth hath union
with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion
with those whose rest is won!
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us (Heb. 12:1 ESV).
O happy ones and holy!
Lord, give us grace that we,
like them, the meek and lowly,
on high may dwell with thee.
Singing to You, reigning King Jesus!
I will sing a new song to you, O God; upon a ten-stringed harp I will play to you, who gives victory to kings (Ps. 144:9-10a ESV)!
This week, I’m praising King Jesus, with new and old songs! Singing Scripture itself. He’s calmed and quieted me as the election approaches. No matter how my nation goes, praising the One who is reigning and ruling will continue to be His gift for a peaceful and quiet life until He consummates His kingdom. Such grace to us as His beloved.
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Other resources of our ministry are here too!
For those with chronic illness, pain, cancer, depression, anxiety, here’s a music therapy-inspired podcast of Scripture and music to help with symptoms
Devotional Bible study prayer journals, available on Amazon. Click for details.
Near to God: A Devotional Bible Study of God’s Character in Our Suffering
Praying God’s Promises Into Suffering
Singing the Gospel to Job: Finding Hope In Suffering
To hear Scripture devotional with calming hymn playing, click here for YouTube podcast.
