God is Good!

He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High
  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,
  my God, in whom I trust." Psalm 91:12

Yesterday we saw God at work, and we can declare that God is good. As yesterday’s post noted, God is always at work doing good for his people, but sometimes we need a uncommon event, such as a presidential election, to remind us of this truth. Parents, you have a powerful message to give to your children this week. God has shown his power and care for the church in wonderful, though perhaps unexpected, ways. Here are just a few ways that God demonstrated his goodness to us yesterday.
First — The outcome of the election for President is clear and essentially uncontested. If the election had hinged on disputed, razor thin results in a few states, national chaos could have easily resulted. As it is, there is a clear majority for Barack Obama in both the Electoral College (349 to 161) and the popular vote (approximately 7 million votes). This is a blessing that must not be overlooked. A tight, contested election would have made this November look like the 2000 election on steroids. For now, God has provided a climate of relative calm, which is a benefit not only to the country but to the church.

Second — When the new president is inaugurated in January 2009, he will have a clear majority politically. His policies and direction can be evaluated on their own merits, without anyone being able to say that the other side is standing in the way. I do not mean to imply that I favor his intended direction or policies. I do not. But there will be an opportunity to evaluate these policies and their results clearly and objectively.

Third — It clarifies the fact that the change America needs is spiritual and not political. It would be a mistake to put our hope in the elections of 2010 and 2012 to bring the change that our country needs. While we must be grateful for the Christian faith of many courageous and dedicated elected officials, we must not expect them to do more than they can do. The church of Jesus Christ is uniquely suited to bring this change about. By helping your family to embrace this reality you can give them real and certain direction that does not depend on the outcome of elections. The church has flourished in past times without the support of governments and rulers. In the first century the church spread like a flame amidst horrific persecution. The power of the gospel is our hope, not the power of government.

Fourth – You have the opportunity to present the power of the gospel of Jesus Christ for real change. What a privilege this is! It starts with your family, right now. Colossians 1 teaches that God works all things together so that Jesus Christ, our King, will have the supreme standing that is due him. This is not a time to be discouraged. God has made it possible for the church, the bride of Christ, to present the power of the Gospel to a country which needs to hear it. Encourage your children with this opportunity. Psalm 33 says that the horse is a vain hope in battle. In the same way, strong financial markets are a vain hope, and so is a government populated by leaders with whom we are politically comfortable.
God is good! This is a time to shepherd your family to rejoice in the goodness of God.

The content of this post is discussed on the Calling for Truth radio program.