If you are reading this devotion on the day it is released, then today is Election Day. I’m writing this during the middle of October, and I confess, as I consider Nov. 5, I feel a bit of anxiousness in my spirit. Whatever happens today, my prayer is that we move forward peacefully and anyone who knows Jesus would model their response after his lived example.
Psalm 78 speaks a particular word to us today and reminds us where to put our focus. Any of the things we might be tempted to worry about today will not last. Only one thing will. And God has called us on purpose, for a purpose, which is in part to tell future generations about what God has done. If you are a parent or grandparent this is specifically true, but it is also true even if you are not a parent or grandparent in the strict sense of the word. Anyone who knows the Lord shares in responsibility for future generations because we are all called to fulfill the Great Commission – to make disciples near and far.
This is why Building Hope for Tomorrow is so important. Imagine a space in the community where all are welcome and feel safe. Where children can play for as long as they want. Where people come together, invited to play pickleball or grab a coffee. And in doing the things they do every day, people can find a place where they meet Jesus. It’s in Jesus where we literally find hope for tomorrow. In Jesus we know that the things of this world, while they are big and have far reaching consequences, will never be as big or as consequential as the grace of God revealed in Jesus on the cross. The world needs Hope. The world needs to know about Jesus and his love, to have opportunities to experience that love and learn what love does; and to know the joy and peace that are found living under the light and easy yoke of Jesus. This is what Building Hope for Tomorrow is all about!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, today I come before you and confess my sins to you. Lord Jesus, I need your saving work on the cross and I thank you for bearing the consequences of my sin. I thank you, God, that you have forgiven me and restored a clean heart within me.
I pray for our nation today. I thank you for the leadership you have given us, and I ask that you be with our next president – that you would guide them and that their heart would be open to you. I ask for your spirit of peace to prevail – both within my own heart and in the heart of our nation.
Father, I ask that you remind me today of your kingdom perspective. You are not anxious or worried. You have called your people to put our trust in you and so I do that today. Show me where I can share your love, show me how I can encourage future generations. Help me to keep my thoughts fixed on the things that truly matter and not to become overwhelmed by things that are temporary. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.