It's no doubt that this has been a crazy, emotional week for America. Whether you're pro-Trump or pro-Hillary, you've probably been thrust into confusion and tension the past couple days. One surprising thing that I've heard amidst this chaos is how some people are sick of hearing Christians proclaim "God is on the throne." Many people on my newsfeeds have talked about how this statement disregards mourners' emotions, and this makes me incredibly sad. As someone who puts her hope in Christ, there is nothing more important to me than reminding myself of God's sovereignty. However, as I was thinking about the contrasting opinions, I wondered to myself if the reason some people are offended by this statement is because they don't know who God is, or rather his characteristics. Therefore, I'd like to explain a little bit why we should find refuge in God's place on the throne, especially during this time. If you don't agree with me, that is certainly okay, but just know that many of us proclaiming this truth we believe in don't do so to belittle emotions but to spread hope during a time of chaos.
1. God seeks justice.
Isaiah 61:8-9: "For I, the LORD, love justice and hate wrongdoing. In my faithfulness I will reward my people and make an everlasting covenant with them."
God isn't a King who doesn't care what people do; He's a father who wants His children to do good. Now, I should point out that there are differences between what the world says is right and what the Bible says is right. Those interested in these differences will need to take a closer look at the Word. However, so many people are afraid that this election will spur injustice in our nation, but the good news is that when you believe that God is sovereign, you believe that He will judge injustices and cast out wrongdoings in the end.
2. God hasn't left.
Matthew 28:20: "... behold. I am with you always, to the end of the age."
Jesus tells us this during the Gospel, and boy, do we need to cling tightly to this verse more than ever. I'm sure that many people are questioning God's presence in this whole situation, but continually throughout the Bible God sticks with his children throughout chaos, like the falls of Israel and Judah to the Assyrians and the Babylonians. Yes, there are times where God feels distant, but if we look at the Word, He never leaves.
3. God doesn't just care about the elite.
Luke 7:36-50: "One of the Pharisees asked [Jesus] to eat with him... And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, 'If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.' And Jesus answering said... 'Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair... Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.'"
This is a long text but an important one. There's so much talk surrounding this presidential election about issues of racism and white privilege, and regardless of whether you believe these things exist in this situation, it's no doubt that many feel that they do. Therefore, if you're worried about these issues, I would point you to this passage to show you that Jesus doesn't just care about those with power. In fact, He spends more time throughout his ministry hanging out with prostitutes, tax collectors, the disabled, and the sick than the ruling class. It's important to not brush over the fact that the prostitute in this scene asks for forgiveness of her sins, so it does take us meeting Christ halfway to gain His gifts. However, if you're worried that a certain group of people will shut you out, know that Jesus won't.
4. God gives us free will.
Deuteronomy 30:19-20: "I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God..."
I'd love for you to play close attention to the word "choose" in this verse. God didn't create us to obey His commands and believe in Him against our will. In fact, God loves us so much that He gives us the gift of free will. Therefore, if you're wondering how on earth God let this election get so nasty in the first place, you should know that it all comes down to free will. This is a gift, but it also gets us into a lot of messes. When we make wrong decisions, a snowball effect occurs, and we have all this brokenness in the world. This means the nastiness of the election is basically a result of our own sin, which really stinks, but the next item on our list might make you feel a little better.
5. God heals.
Psalm 147:3: "He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Our ability to choose means that we don't always have to choose sin. Rather, we have the opportunity to pick life, and when we do, God enters into our hearts and begins to heal. Therefore, God doesn't leave us to the brokenness of the world all alone without help. He's right there ready to help and tend to our sicknesses and injuries. All we have to do is ask.
6. God loves you.
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
No matter how many times I try to find a better verse to depict God's love for us, I always end up right back at the classic John 3:16. Seriously though, just think about it. God loves you so much that He came to earth to live among us and was crucified on a cross so that we wouldn't have to. That is the ultimate testament of love. Therefore, when you hear people say, "God is on the throne." you can actually say that they're saying something along the lines of "Love trumps hate." That's because love already did trump hate and sin when Jesus died. And that brings me to my last point...
7. God wins.
John 16:33: "I [Jesus] have told you these things, so that in me you may find peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Gosh, this is the perfect verse for this crazy time. Not only has Jesus already overcome hate, sin, and evil, but resting in this gives us peace. Is there anything more important than peace right now? I think not.
Lastly, I do want to express that I am a white Christian woman. I know that so many others are scared of things that haven't even crossed my mind. I doubt I'll have racial slurs shouted at me or that people will chant "Build a wall!" at me, but to those who are scared of these things, know that when I proclaim to you, "God is on the throne." it is coming from a place of love because we believe God is love. Know that many people, especially white people, who say this to you do not in any way want to excuse your emotions. Rather, we want to be open to dialogue, extend compassion and love, and proclaim what we think is the most hopeful news, and we'll be praying. Praying for Trump to lead effectively, fairly, and lovingly and for you.
