Post-Election Prayers | Monday, November 9, 2020

(Beth Dewey)

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—

where does my help come from?

2 My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121: 1-2

At this point, there are a group of people out there who are rejoicing over the election. There are also a group of people who are sorely disappointed. I know there are Christians in both camps. I know also, that both sides were praying for their candidate to win. Both sides can’t win.

I’ve had my share of prayers that did not come through the way I really, honestly, with all my heart wanted them to. I know the feeling of wondering. Wondering why? Wondering where God was. Wondering what next? I remember a time shortly after Mark, my first husband, passed away where I found myself paralyzed, unable to get out of bed, unable to even pray. As clear as one would hear the telephone ring, I heard the sound of a bell. The same bell Mark would use to call me if I was in another part of the house and he needed something, as his voice had become so weak from the varied medical treatments he was undergoing. I can’t explain it, but I truly feel God knew what would rattle me awake, what would startle me a bit, just enough to recall who I was, where I was, and whose I was. That recollection is what breathed a bit of life back in to me. It is important to recall God’s goodness, His unchanging character, and the ways He has shown up faithfully, over and over and over again.

What do we do when God doesn’t? What do we do when God doesn’t answer your prayer for your country, or the prayer in regards to your job, your child, or your loved one? We recall God’s faithfulness. We remember God’s promises. We look to God’s sovereignty. We hold firm to the truth of His undying nature. We turn to His word. We remember that God is just and He is right and He does what He pleases…but all that He does is out of great love. “Look at the Nations and watch-and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.” Habakkuk 1:5.

God, I trust you. I am going to wait and see what you are doing. And while I wait, may I always remember your goodness, remember your promises, and give thanks for who you are. Grant me the grace to always point to you, the only One. Let the peace that passes all understanding guard my heart. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.