The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Psalm 46:7

Wednesday, November 9, 2016, found many Americans and many other people across the world in one of these states:  Shocked, shattered, stunned, devastated, horrified, crushed, brokenhearted, saddened, defeated, depressed, fearful, angry, incredulous, speechless; excited, jubilant, triumphant, celebratory, happy, on cloud nine, pumped, thrilled, or elated. After pulling off a stunning victory against Hillary R. Clinton, Donald J. Trump was slated to become the 45th President of the United States of America. The news reverberated across the world like an earthquake bringing a multitude of reactions from various groups and certainly from you, and me. Since then, fear has gripped many minority groups across these United States and extremist groups appear to have become emboldened.  But do not be swayed by the noise of the multitudes, and do not get sucked in by what you hear on the airwaves because the God of Abraham, the God Isaac and the God of Jacob; the God we call our LORD God Almighty, sits enthroned in the heavenly places looking low upon the earth, seeing all, knowing all, unperturbed and speaking to you through his unchanging word (Deuteronomy 20:1).

Believer, it is easy for all of us to forget that it doesn’t matter who won this election or any other election, past, present or future, because God is still the one in control.  Our trust cannot be in chariots or horses, but rather in the name of the LORD our God (Psalm 20:7). It is he who establishes governing authorities and commands we submit to them (Romans 13:1). This same God who speaks from heaven is the Lord, your Savior; the one who promises to watch your going out and your coming in (Psalm 121:8); the one who says he will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5b). Trust in him, hope in him and be confident in him for he is your helper; so, do not fear; what can man do to you (Hebrews 13:6)?  Amid this deep confusion that threatens to overwhelm, he alone remains the steadfast anchor in the storm. The psalmist reminds you, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there.  When they breathe their last, they return to the earth and all their plans die with them (Psalm 146: 3-4).  Instead put your confidence in the God who knows the future.

So, put away anger, fear, discouragement and sadness; wipe away those tears and confront your disappointment with faith.  Place your hope for your nation and for your family in God. Praise your God and Savior even now (Psalm 42:11).  Like the psalmist, praise the LORD as long as you live; sing praises to him even with your dying breath (Psalm 146: 1-2) and pray for governments (1 Timothy 2:2) for it is the will of God.

And remember this, there is a way that seems right to a man, but it ends in death (Proverbs 14:12). Beware of those who boast about the future; for no one knows what tomorrow may bring, but we know who holds tomorrow and therefore we can confidently say (Psalm 46): 

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging.

4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, 

   the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, she will not fall;
    God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;
    he lifts his voice, the earth melts.

7 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.

8 Come and see what the Lord has done,
    the desolations he has brought on the earth.
9 He makes wars cease
    to the ends of the earth.
    He breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
    he burns the shield with fire.
10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.”

11 The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress.  

May his peace engulf you now and forevermore, and may he come down from heaven and heal our land and our world. Amen!