II Corinthians 2:18 “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”
Colossians 3:2 “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
Lamentations 3:21-26 “This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. It is of the LORD’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.”
II Thessalonians 2:16-17 “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”
Titus 2:13-14 “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Luke 2:10-11 “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Likely, we are all relieved to finally emerge from the 2022 political season. For many, it is a time characterized by concern, anxiety, disappointment, divisiveness, and strife. And, though we are closing the books on the 2022 election, November 2024 is right around the corner and there is already jockeying for a favorable position in those upcoming races. Thus, we are plunged back into the same unsettling emotional cycle that we had hoped would be absent for a period of time. And, we don’t even get to enjoy a brief period of recovery and renewal.
It feels like we need a political cease fire for our own sanity as we grasp for relief from the plenteous sources of despair. But, that perspective neglects the proper Christian view, especially with the Christmas season upon us. Thus, now is the time to recalibrate.
We are to set our affection on things above. We are to look towards the things that are unseen. We are to have abundant hope because His compassions fail not. We are to grasp unto everlasting consolation and good hope through the grace of our Lord and Saviour. We are to fear not, and instead embrace great joy. We are to remember that Jesus is the blessed hope who has redeemed us from all iniquity.
PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR LIVES TO BE FOCUSED ON THE HOPE THAT COMES THROUGH CHRIST ALONE. During this season, may we recall the reason for hope, and allow that truth to permeate our minds, hearts, and spirits throughout the calendar – regardless of whether or not it is an election year.
