A New Hope

Like most Americans I have been watching the inaugural activities today and I have been impressed by one overwhelming thing-a new (or renewed) hope in America. The millions on the Mall, the note-worthy in the stands, everyone seems to sense that President Obama can lead America out of the pit of apathy and depression we, as a nation, have fallen into. With two wars, no credit, a sinking stock market, people losing their jobs and their homes, America is ready for someone to give voice to the hope we had in the past.

No matter whether you voted for President Obama or not, God in Romans commands you to submit to those in authority over you and pray for them so that all may go well with you. Proverbs tells us that God holds the heart of the king (president) in His hands and turns it whichever way He will. So go ahead and allow yourself to hope.

Not because of the inaugural address or the apparent spirit of cooperation in Washington. But because God is in control and NOTHING is going to happen that He doesn't allow to happen. Even Satan himself has to ask permission to harass us (remember Job?). God controls it all, heaven AND earth. And as the Bible says His ways are higher than my ways.

My hope and my faith do not lie with any man- not a president, vice president, congress, governor, or even one pastor or another. My hope and my faith are in a God who will never leave me nor forsake me even in the hardest times. My hope and my faith are in a God who hides me under His wing to protect me and calls me the apple of His eye. Therein lies my hope.

I pray for President Obama, his wife and his two beautiful daughters. I pray that God will grant him the wisdom to govern such a powerful nation. And I pray that all Christians everywhere, whether you voted for him or not, will pray that God and God alone will guide his every thought and his every step. Only in that way, will we have hope.