Unshakable Hope (Where can I get some of that!?)

If you’re aware of what’s going on in our country, you may be feeling helpless, possibly hopeless.  If you believe our election was not free and fair and that roughly 76 million of us have been denied a voice in the governance of our nation, or if you have noticed the full-throttled effort by power players on the far left to strip all others of their most basic civil liberties, it is only natural to be discouraged. (That may be an understatement for some of us, who may or may not include me.;))  

For those of us who support conservative or traditional values (and particularly those of us who support President Trump), our freedoms—freedom of speech, freedom to worship, right to keep and bear arms, right to be treated equally under the law—are under open and relentless attack.  Those currently wielding the most power are imposing their far-left views on every American, with the possible exception of themselves, ironically. Mainstream media, academia, Big Tech, many of our largest, most powerful, private corporations, and, prospectively, the incoming administration (under the unchecked control of a single political party) have demonstrated their intent to punish any and all who dissent from their narrowly-defined “accepted narrative.”  In short, those of us who do not adhere to the “approved” ideology, which runs counter to the most sacred things we stand for, must be silenced, or even criminalized(!). 

While this is truly disturbing, even frightening, we can’t afford to be discouraged in our fight for what is good and right and true. The very definition of courage is the choice and willingness to confront agony, pain, danger, uncertainty, or intimidation. I want to commit to being courageous! Here are some facts that should encourage all of us (are you detecting a theme here?): 

1. 7.6 million more Christians turned out for the election than in 2016.  This is HUGE.  As it turns out, maybe we’re finally realizing all that is at stake.  May we never be asleep at the wheel again.
2. Based on the astonishing number of, and the sheer gravity of, the election irregularities, I believe we, as patriotic, faith- and freedom-loving Americans, are absolutely, positively, irrefutably in the majority. While the election issues are enraging, the response of so many millions of Americans is heartening. 
3. Elections have consequences.  I believe the consequences of this election (whether or not the election was free and fair) will be drastic and may open the eyes and shock the consciences of many on the side of faith and freedom who have previously been complacent or even apathetic.  P.S. It wasn’t fair. :0 

Some of you who pay close attention are undoubtedly shouting to me (even though we both know you’re actually shouting at your computer screen—hee hee) that it is too late, that the next administration will throw open the borders, kill the filibuster, pack the Court, and grant statehood to D.C., essentially ensuring that no Republican can ever again be elected.  This is all true.  All of this might happen.  BUT, see 1, 2 and 3 above:  Christians are waking up; there are far more conservatives and moderates than there are the far-left, radical progressives (even though they have ascended to power); and, pain is an enormously effective impetus for change.  Additionally, with regard to open borders, it is not insignificant that President Trump won historic numbers of minority voters, particularly Hispanics, who tend to be socially conservative and deeply religious. While the headlines would tell you otherwise, the movement inspired by President Trump and other God-fearing, America-loving, Constitution-revering patriots is real and formidable…and continuing.  (Why else would they be so determined to remove President Trump from office with just over a week left in his term? Could it be that they fear his continued influence or a future presidential term?)

With or without President Trump, there are many people and many things in motion that should inspire us to continue to fight for our country and our freedoms. It is good to focus on the positives and to work for and pray for our President, for our leadership, and for our desired outcomes.

However, the bigger message is, our hope cannot be dependent on any person or any given outcome:   

“Do not put your confidence in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day, their plans come to nothing.”

Psalm 146:3 

When we place our hope in anything that is uncertain—whether a person, a party, an election outcome, or any other thing—then when it disappoints us, which it eventually will, our hope is shattered.  So, if we are finding ourselves discouraged and disheartened and hopeless as a result of our circumstances, it may be an indication that we have put our hope in those things rather than in the only source that is guaranteed:

“Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad?  I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my savior and my God.”

Psalm 42:5-6

“But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

Psalm 146:5

 “And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.”

Romans 5:5

“This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls.”  

Hebrews 6:19

The most important thing to remember in the days ahead is that God is still on His throne. He knew this was coming and He knows where it is going. When we put our hope in Him, we can rest in knowing that our joy, our security, our very sense of well-being cannot be shaken, even if (when) our circumstances deteriorate, or the world falls apart around us. It is a hope that is secure. 

I highly recommend signing up for this brand of hope—it is not overrated.