Many Americans woke up this morning feeling anxious, uncertain about what this day would hold. Many have professed they will be moving to another country depending on the results at the end of the day. Some of have been holding on to November 8th, full of dread.
My question is, how is this day really any different than any other? Which of us knows what any day ahead of us holds? If we are facing this day with fear and hopelessness, we must be facing each day that way.
When my husband and I went to see the movie, War Room, my heart was opened up to the power of prayer. I saw how Miss Clara approached God with boldness, both with her words and her stature. While in her prayer closet, she used scripture to claim God’s promises. Miss Clara was never doubtful when praying and she was never surprised when God answered her prayers. Prayer was her lifeline. It was her first defense as well as her first form of attack against trouble.
Wow. I had been missing opportunity after opportunity to communicate with the King of the world. I had been praying weak prayers. This had to change.
I went home that afternoon, took a look at my walk-in closet and immediately began bagging up clothes I no longer needed. 5 bags later, I had plenty of space to begin creating my very own War Room.
“Don’t you need those clothes?” my youngest daughter asked.
“No. I like some of those clothes, but I really like the idea of having a special place to talk to God even better.”
I hung pictures of my family and Bible verses on the walls. I placed some cozy pillows on the floor, as well as my favorite blankie. My daughters painted me some pictures. One is of a beautiful sunset with a cross on a hill. Another is of the night Jesus was born complete with the star of Bethlehem. And, another has the acronym PUSH, Pray, Until, Something, Happens. I have devotionals, study Bibles, and notepads. I love my space. But, what I love the most is how God meets me there.
This morning, November 8th, election day, was no different. I walked into my closet for my morning appointment with God and He met me. When I woke up, I didn’t stop and think about it being election day. But, once I got in my prayer closet, I saw my note that read, “Pray for wisdom, respect, humility” my note reminding how I want to pray for the candidates. My eyes wandered to the verses I have taped on notecards on the wooden shelf in my closet.
Exodus 15:2 “The Lord is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, and I will exalt him.
Isaiah 6:3, “And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
James 5:16, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
When I approach each day, reading aloud about where my strength comes from, about God’s reign over the entire earth, about my need to confess my sins, and about the power of my prayers, I am equipped to face what lies ahead.
Today was like no other. I woke up a human being, full of pride, weakness, and sin. But, before jumping into my day, I asked God to fill me with His Spirit and I spent time in communication with the King of the world.
Whether I am waiting to hear test results from the doctor, waiting on God’s healing for a loved one, or waiting to hear who the next President will be, I still have the same need: to be filled with His power, peace, and providence.
Lisa Louise 