Inauguration

Inauguration is defined as "the beginning or introduction of a system, policy, or period." Today we begin a new ... period. Another "Trump era." Likely a different Trump era. Lots of people are excited. They, after all, voted him in. Lots of people are scared. He is, after all, a threat to our existence. But, whatever he is, it is his inauguration, and it is today. So? I'd like to point out a couple of truths. No, not conspiracy theories. Not even political claims. Truths ... some things we believers need to keep in mind, regardless of where on the political spectrum you fall.

Remember,

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.(Rom 13:1)

I know, I know, bad governments have done bad things, but ... who are you going to believe? God, or your eyes?

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. (1 Peter 2:13-15)

God's purpose in government is to decrease bad actors and encourage good (Rom 13:1-5). We may not see it and we may not agree with it, but God says it, so we should be subject to and honor our government ... for the Lord's sake.

The king's heart is a stream of water in the hand of YHWH; He turns it wherever He will. (Prov 21:1)

We tend to think in a practical atheist way ... like what's going on down here isn't really in God's control. We're wrong. We may not agree with the "king" -- our leaders -- but we must remember that even our leaders can't choose anything that God won't allow. Trust Him.

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. (1 Tim 2:1-2)

Bottom line ... pray. Look at that list: "supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings." Really pray. Pray for the president (whoever he may be). Pray for all in high positions. Pray. And trust God. It really boils down to that. He says it's all in His hand. Trust Him. While America inaugurates a new president, we should inaugurate a new system in our own lives ... trusting God to be God in everything.