What. A. Day.

Nearly first thing this morning, I was in tears after reading some folks’ thoughts on the elections happening in my country today. (Oddly enough, many of those commenting have no stake or say in the outcome.)

I have never been exceedingly patriotic. As far as I’m concerned, nationality is like race, eye colour, or any other feature. It is one small aspect of our God-given make-up (which, like many other features, we don’t get to choose), and while it doesn’t define us, it is a part of who we are. Like it or not, I’m an American, and this year, more than any previous one, I’m feeling the turmoil of this season. I’ve been saddened by the vitriol and divisive comments from all sides, not only made by people in the U.S.A., but by people in the country I now call home.

These are people I believe love Jesus and want to see His kingdom come and His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. And yet… love seems buried in the midst of comments thrown back and forth, and accusations leveled at one side or the other. Each side claims to speak truth and have the moral high ground, and yet the claims sound hollow in the din of noise coming from every direction. The chaotic cacophony of it all is maddening if you listen for too long, and this morning, I succumbed. I sat on the sofa and wept at the state of things, for relationships strained or broken, for hurts inflicted by words that can’t be unsaid.

I don’t know what will happen today, this week, or in the weeks to come, but it is easy to believe the outcome of this election will bring no peace or unity back to the country of my birth. In reality, no political outcome can do that at this point.

So, after a rough start to the day, I spent the afternoon recording some worship songs for my church in Belfast. As I belted out lyrics about the Lamb Who sits enthroned in heaven, Who is worthy of all praise and has all power, Who is high above earth and every other god, peace invaded my heart and mind. The Lamb of God, slain for us, is still on His throne, high above every power or ruler. And He will still be there tomorrow, next year, and forever.

Tonight, I am praying for wisdom and mercy for the United States. I am praying that the outcome will be the one that is best for the country, but more importantly for the advancement of God’s Kingdom on earth. And I am praying that those who know and follow Jesus in the U.S. and around the world would “speak life” and encouragement over one another, calling out the best in each other no matter who the President of the United States is next year. God and His Body are the only hope for change and justice in the world, so let’s keep our eyes fixed on Him and do what we can to build His Church and Kingdom wherever we are.