2 Samuel 2:1 – “David inquired of the LORD…”

America is a divided nation, and every election cycle, we face potential chaos and crisis.   The evil one has evil plans of chaos and destruction, but God is our hedge, covering, our strong tower, and defense.

As I read, prayed, and pondered the Word of God today, I was moved to consider two things more deeply.   In 2 Samuel 2:1, we are reminded of a pattern David followed.  “David inquired of the LORD…”   Before he did anything, he sought God.  That should be our pattern in Everything!  There should be no decision (not even one) made without seeking God’s guidance.

Often, more hangs in the balance resulting from our decisions than most ever perceive.   In elections and life, we should ask, “Have we been praying God’s will or our preference?”   That was an impression from the Holy Spirit for me this morning.   I have been evaluating it in my heart.   If my preference is not motivated by God’s purposes, then my preference is selfish.

We are divided so deeply in America that even believers have become enemies. Luke 6:27-31 is a truth we often cite, but rarely as a guiding principle and more often as a theoretical concept and religious language, rather than something we actually practice.

• We are to Love our enemies?  
• We are to do good to those who hate and want to harm us? 
• We are to Bless those who curse and slander us?
• We are to Pray for them?

We tend to pray about them but not for them.  We pray, like the Pharisees in the temple, “Thank God, I’m not a sinner like them.”   That is not praying for them.  That is not seeking their best good.  That is not loving them as ourselves.

In our modern American elections, there is deep anger after the votes are counted.   I have begun praying for a hedge of protection around America, the Church, my family, and more.   How do we overcome the pervasive evil and hatred?   Only by Love!   Love is not passively being trampled upon.  It is actively demonstrating the heart of God.

If we seek God’s guidance in Everything and then obey His directives and Word, we can see the light in the darkness.   We can maintain hope in hopelessness.  We can exhibit demonstrable faith in the face of despair.

Today, people are judging each other, but is it righteous judgment?   All sides view the other side as evil, which renders reconciliation a human impossibility.  As believers, we must rise above that.   We must pray for God to open the eyes of all to the facts, but, more importantly, to God’s purpose.   Then, regardless of the outcome, let the love of God prevail.  He is our shelter in storms.  He is our God!

I have a preference based on both my personal needs and the precepts of Scripture.  I pray for grace to love and pray for those who hate God and me.   I pray for God’s justice for the defenseless.   I pray for the harvest of souls.  I hope this statement is not misunderstood or misconstrued; I am praying, “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.  Not my will, but Thine be done.”

In our elections and in my life, which is what I am seeking.  I am seeking what I believe is right based on what I believe the Word of God teaches and the record reveals.   However, I do not want to, nor will I succumb to hatred for those who disagree.

God help us!  Have a great day and keep looking up.