Friday, August 12, 2016



It is sad hearing people who loudly profess to follow Jesus but don’t sound anything like Him when it comes political discourse. What can we learn from a powerful king who lived thousands of years ago about our faith and politics today? 

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright." [Psalm 20:7-8]

David writes something as important today as it was 3000 years ago. People found their security in the strength of their king and his “chariots and horses”. If they had a strong king and big army, they felt secure. This is where we need to listen today. 

We are equally guilty today. All over social media Christians vie for their political candidate, proclaiming why their candidate and party better represent the values of Christ. Sadly, many Christians have sacrificed the values of love and grace in their speech, all on the altar of politics.  

Our current dilemma is who will be our next president. Christians are divided, but honestly neither candidate wholly represents Christ-like values. Both political parties and candidates need a reboot, a recasting of vision, and some serious repentance. 

Enter the psalmist. David was king of Israel when he wrote this psalm, yet he doesn’t place his trust in the strength of his government. He knows that armies and governments “collapse and fall” but that those who trust in the Lord will “stand upright.” That is where I would love to see change in our culture: that would "stand upright" as we engage this political season. 

And, yes, I said engage! I think every American should vote, and if campaigning is your thing, you should do that too. Be engaged and see your civic duty as the privilege that it is. Many around the globe would love the opportunity to vote, even for the two candidates we have to choose from! 

Yet hear the heart of the psalmist when he says to “trust in the Lord”. Don’t trust in politics, media, political parties, or presidential candidates. They all “collapse and fall” at some point. 

“Trust in the Lord” about our nation, our world, and even the future of the Church. Not a single president can change the world for better or worse unless God permits. 

“Trust in the Lord”, and repent of the accepted rhetoric of the day. A follower of Jesus is one who follow Him in speech as well as worldview. One who stands upright is one whose speech matches their faith.