I turn 18 just in time to vote this year. Yay.
I’m tempted to call this a curse, but I know God doesn’t do things by accident, so I’m going to call it a blessing. I’m dreading the upcoming election. I’m not going to use this post for a political rant, but I feel my upcoming decision to vote weighing my spirit. I was so sure of what I’d do, and now I’m not. So that’s when I decided to make an election playlist. Here are a few of the songs:
“All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises” by Travis Cottrell
“The Battle Belong to the Lord” by The Marantha! Singers
“Beautiful Things” by Gungor
“Fix My Eyes” by for KING & COUNTRY
“Father I Adore You” by Marantha! Music
“Forever Reign (Radio Version)” by Hillsong Live
“Holy Spirit” by Francesca Battistelli
“I Am” by Crowder
“Our God is Greater” by Shane & Shane
As you can probably tell from the song titles, right now I’m just trying to remind myself that no matter what happens, God’s in control and He has a plan for it. I particularly love the cover for “Beautiful Things” by Gungor:
As you can see in the picture, there are symbols of warfare, torture, and death, but from a distance, you can only see colorful little flowers. God can make beautiful things out of anything, no matter how horrendous. He can turn the most terrible loss into a victory. I have to keep reminding myself that no matter who wins this upcoming election and gains control of this nation, God has control over the universe. If you’re despairing right now–either because of the election or something else–remember God’s promise:
“For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘Plans to prosper you, and not to harm you. Plans to give you a hope and a future.”
-Jeremiah 29:11
No matter what happens in this election or the next, we have God’s plans to look forward to: a hope and a future.
What are you dreading right now? What do you do when you’re stressed?
Brenna
October 12, 2016 - 4:05 pm ·Wonderful post, Liz. I (thankfully!) won’t be able to vote until the next election- but that doesn’t keep me from worrying. 🙁 Lately, I have been thinking a lot about Isaiah 55:9, “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.” God’s ways are higher. No matter who is elected, and no matter how I feel about it, God has a purpose for allowing it to happen. We probably won’t understand why, maybe not until heaven, but we can rest in the knowledge that his ways are higher, that he is in control.
Elizabeth Newsom
October 12, 2016 - 9:36 pm ·Thank you, Brenna! That’s encouraging to hear 🙂
Aedraphay
October 13, 2016 - 4:23 pm ·Amen! Very insightful Liz! (and Brenna, I liked your comment too).
I sadly am very young to vote so I wont get the opportunity:(
Following the Presidential race, there are times when I shake my head, or pretend to be part of the cheering crowds. Either way I am blessed to be in a state of maturity to understand what’s happening. This Election, I believe is going to be a test for us Christians and/or Patriots. The test is “Faith”. Are we going to have faith no matter how bad things get, no matter who gets elected, that God has established what it is to come? To rest on the promise that all things work for those who love Him? It’s tough, but not impossible with the help of the Holy Spirit. I love how you don’t lose sight of the most important thing, Christ, even in the midst of the unpleasant. Right now I’m dreading in the elections that Hillary is 9 points ahead of Trump. I don’t hate Trump, but I have sickening dislike for Clinton (her smile). But no matter who ends up in the white house (hopefully Trump)(you have permission to burn me at the stake)I plan to submit and respect for the sake of our nation and most importantly God. Not to slander the president or anyone, because does slandering represents Christ? In the time of darkness we are called to be a light, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. Duty is first to God, then our civic duties (like voting) (btw, I’m also afraid there won’t be many Republicans voting)(but that’s my opinion). But, no matter what my faith is in the Lord.
Elizabeth Newsom
October 16, 2016 - 12:13 am ·Well, I would agree. This is definitely a test of faith. Lol, and I completely understand what you’re saying about Trump 🙂 Glad you like the playlist, and thank you for the insightful comment 🙂
Aedraphay
October 13, 2016 - 4:24 pm ·…btw I love your playlist 🙂 good taste
Donna
October 16, 2016 - 9:04 pm ·Think I’d be best to just say amen. Love the thoughts that convey His ways and the encouraging words. I look forward to reading more.
Elizabeth Newsom
October 19, 2016 - 10:34 pm ·Thank you so much! I”m honored that you enjoyed the post 🙂