ELECTION PEACE?

ISAIAH 26:3-4: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.” NLT

OBSERVATION: Have you found it difficult to experience peace during this current election cycle? We are watching history unfold right before our very eyes. One candidate had his life threatened with an assassination attempt while the other was forced to resign due to his poor performance in a debate and growing concerns about his age and health.

All of these things are happening while the tensions in the world continue to escalate. The war in the Middle East between Israel, Hamas, and other Iranian proxies looks like there is no end in sight. The 2024 Olympics began with a flagrant assault on the Christian faith through the desecration of the sacred celebration of the Last Supper. And, as all of this unfolds before our eyes, it seems like our peace is taking a toll.

I have found myself becoming glued to the 24/7 news cycle. When I am driving in my car I am listening for the latest development. As a concerned citizen, I find myself increasingly concerned with the direction of our nation and what will happen in the November election. The news anchors keep reminding us that this is the most important election in our lifetime. They remind us daily – that our entire culture and way of life weigh on the balance.

It is hard to walk in peace in this constantly changing and challenging world!

The Hebrew word for peace is Shalom. Shalom is not simply the absence of circumstances that would cause unrest. Shalom is a word that embodies peace and harmony for the entire man – body, soul, and spirit. It means – completeness, soundness, welfare, harmony! It is what every man and woman longs for. It is what political parties promise and countries strive to achieve.

Yet, in this world, Shalom seems to be a pipe dream beyond our reach!

When we study the Bible we discover that peace, Shalom, is promised in two phases. There is the peace that comes from knowing Jesus Christ and being restored to a loving relationship with God through faith. Then, there is the peace that will be established at the Second Coming of Christ when He returns to set up His Millennial Kingdom and ultimately usher in the New Heavens and the New Earth.

One is present, the other is future. Yet, both come from the same place. Our peace, our Shalom, God’s perfect peace (Shalom Shalom), does not come from this world or our best human effort. God’s perfect peace is found in God Himself. It is who He is. It is His nature, His life, His love, His promise. While the world may struggle for peace (Shalom), true peace, perfect peace (Shalom Shalom), is found in Christ alone!

“You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you! Trust in the LORD always, for the LORD GOD is the eternal Rock.”

I will never find God’s Shalom Shalom in the 24/7 news cycle. God’s Kingdom and His ultimate peace will not be established by a political party or its platform. His peace, His perfect peace, is reserved for those who amid the storm trust fully in Christ alone. Their thoughts, their prayers, their hopes, and their dreams are anchored in the Lord. While other’s moorings break free the one who trusts in Christ alone is anchored to the eternal Rock.

I remember a scene from a recent hurricane in Florida. Bridges were wiped out. Expensive boats were thrown and wrecked on the shore. Roads were destroyed and houses were torn apart. Yet, there was one tiny ship, anchored to a mooring that stood in the harbor unscathed. This may have been a fluke for this tiny ship but it is the promise to everyone who puts their trust in Christ alone!

This August and November I will continue to pray for the election and future of our nation. I will faithfully take my Christian faith and enter the voting box to prayerfully vote for who and what I believe is the most closely aligned with my Biblical values. I will pray over my ballot and the entire process. Yet, my trust will not be in the outcome, the candidate, or the party.

My trust, my peace, my perfect peace, will be in Christ alone.

I must exercise my civic duty and my faith. Yet, my peace, God’s Shalom Shalom, is never found in doing so. It is found as I lean upon Him, rest in Him, knowing that ultimately He is moving all of human history toward His sovereign purpose. Peace will come. Peace will be established. Peace will enter this world – riding on a White Horse and proclaiming the Kingdom of God!

“Then I saw heaven opened, and a white horse was standing there. Its rider was named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly and wages a righteous war. His eyes were like flames of fire, and on His head were many crowns. A name was written on Him that no one understood except Himself. He wore a robe dipped in blood, and His title was the Word of God.” (Rev 19:11-13 NLT)

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” (Rev 21:1-4)

Until that day, Lord keep my mind and my heart in Your Shalom Shalom – Your Perfect Peace!

He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people. [Amen.] (Rev 22:20-21 NLT)

In Jesus’ Name!