An Election That Didn’t Make Sense
(A disclaimer: The thoughts, opinion, and views expressed in this article are my own. They do not reflect in any way the beliefs, teachings, and views of Memorial Tabernacle Church.)
“Be angry, and do not sin. Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still” (Psa. 4:4 NKJV).
Since some on social media love using scripture (often out of context) to justify their views and opinions, please allow me to do the same.
I am angry! Since profanity is not an acceptable form of expression for some in the clergy, I’ll just say I am angry beyond words! In this psalm, David experienced ungodliness around him and slander against him by his enemies. David however saw no reason for him to sin. He chose rather to sing, meditate, and trust in the Lord even when things were against him. I’ve chosen to express my anger here rather than over the pulpit.
I’m tired however of people telling me how to think and feel. Because I am a pastor, I am expected to always be positive and have something encouraging from God’s word to share with people who may be feeling discouraged over the outcome of this election. Sorry. Not today. I, like many of you, have been experiencing the same and similar emotions. Pure anger!
This election left me feeling depressed, frustrated and confused—and church people with their slogans, scriptures, quotes, and video clips of their favorite popular preacher have not been helpful to me. I am sure these things provide a source of comfort, inspiration, and assurance to many during this stressful time. May God bless all who have found encouragement through sharing your experiences on social media, sermons, prophesies, Scripture, meditation, and other sources. But I need time to personally process what has just taken place and try to learn and understand why did America choose this evil and sinful man.
When I woke up the morning after the election, I thought it was all a bad dream. As a matter of fact, my wife said that I woke her up screaming out Trump’s name in anger. I dislike this man with a passion. I asked myself, “Didn’t people in this nation see and hear what I saw and heard? How did this man convince people he is a good leader? How could anyone vote for such a corrupt and evil man to be the president over this nation?” Hosea 8:4 says, “They set up kings, but not by Me; they made princes, but I did not acknowledge them. From their silver and gold they made idols for themselves—that they might be cut off.”
Everyone is quick to state, “God allowed” the outcome. But did He really? Are we at fault somewhere in the process and in the way things turned out, the way they did? Statistics show that an overwhelming majority in some states didn’t bother to vote one way or another. The truth may be we get what we have allowed.
I strongly believe America is going to pay dearly for its decision to elect this evil leader. I will also say loudly that I do not believe God allowed this. He did however allow us to make a choice between good and evil. America chose evil. And Satan cheered!
Yeah, yeah, yeah! I know all the church slogans, phrases, and expressions. I’ve used all of them in worship and sermons on numerous Sundays—and I believe them, like,
“There is no failure in God.”
“God never makes a mistake.”
“God is in control.”
“God loves us, and He is good! All the time!”
“There’s nothing impossible nor too hard for God to do.”
I believe these statements, and I don’t take any of them lightly. Today, however, David gives me permission to be angry. I am just a man with human emotions and feelings like you. David cries out to God in his song, “Hear me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; have mercy on me, and hear my prayer. How long, O you sons of men, will you turn my glory to shame? How long will you love worthlessness and seek falsehood?” (Psa. 4:1-2, NKJV)
I have lost complete faith and trust in this country to do right. I have no faith and trust in the political process either. And to the so-called white evangelical Christians, the line has been drawn in the sand between the white evangelical and the black church. Do not lie by calling us friends and brothers. We see who you really are.
One of my favorite popular pastor, author, and church leader, Rick Warren, wrote in one of his blogs on releasing anger out of our lives said, “God loves you too much to give you everything you ask for. So, when God says “no,” you’ve got three options: You can resist it, resent it, or relax in it . . . When you believe that God always has your best interest at heart, you can look with new eyes at the things He does that don’t make sense.”
None of this makes sense to me right now, and I can’t relax just yet.
Isaiah 55:8-9 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”
I will confess, I don’t understand God’s ways. This experience goes against everything I thought I knew about God’s goodness. It just doesn’t make sense to me. The Scriptures reminds us of the “goodness” of God, and I have been trying to understand, how was this experience good when I can see nothing but evil and corruption? How could this happen? I don’t have any answers. Could it be through this process God is showing me to trust that He has a bigger perspective, a better plan, and a greater purpose? Yes, God is in control.
I cannot change God’s mind. None of us can. God is Sovereign and He can do whatever he wants, however He wants, and whenever He wants to do a thing. I’m just asking for understanding because this is wicked. This is an evil and wicked nation. I understand His ways are not mine because it would have been an entirely different outcome—and maybe that’s a good thing. I just want to understand. His love sometimes is painful.
I’ve had a lot of pain in my life, and almost everything I’ve learned in my life I’ve learned through pain. This may be a teachable moment for me. Some lessons in life are not comfortable. This has been one lesson I will admit I have failed. I’ve failed because I’ve allowed bitterness and anger to consume my thoughts. I am confident however that I will rise above this but not today.
I may not understand it. I may not like it. It may not make sense. It may even be painful for me. But God is still good and loving. And He will never stop loving me. I can thankfully say, “Even in this, God’s love still remains.”
David concludes, “There are many who say, ‘Who will show us any good?’ LORD, lift up the light of Your countenance upon us . . . I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety” (Psa. 4:6, 8)
This is the only kind of response that will bring me peace! May you too find peace in the days ahead.