From the beginning of the election season, I’ve watched with eager enthusiasm. Along the way, I made my feelings abundantly clear to my family where I stood on the issues.

I also made a comment or two to close friends but never made a public comment either on social media, this Blog or from my pulpit. Wait, maybe one time, as I shut down a guy who shouted, “build the wall,” as I made a sermon illustration on an unrelated topic about China’s Great Wall.

I believe everyone is entitled to their own political beliefs, but when we gather for worship the focus should be Christ-centered. So, I led  the church I pastor in prayer on a regular basis for our dear and beloved country. Something I hope to continue moving forward.

As you have rightly suspected, this nation is deeply divided, but it is important for us to heal this great divide by calling on the Lord. We are at a critical point right now. We cannot miss this moment. If we will ever reach a perfect union, we must all pull together and start that process this morning.

I appreciate the tone I’ve heard so far from the newly elected president, Hilary Clinton, and the outgoing president. We must now lift them up and pray for their success as the Lord calls us to do.

No matter who you voted for or didn’t vote for; no matter if the candidate you supported prevailed or not, join me in asking the Lord to hold this nation fast.

Take a listen to this song and read the lyrics. May it move you to sing it over the nation, over your family and over the nations of the world.

“When I fear my faith will fail
Christ will hold me fast
When the tempter would prevail
He will hold me fast
I could never keep my hold
Through life’s fearful path
For my love is often cold
He must hold me fast

Chorus:
He will hold me fast
He will hold me fast
For my Savior loves me so
He will hold me fast

Those He saves are His delight
Christ will hold me fast
Precious in His holy sight
He will hold me fast
He’ll not let my soul be lost
His promises shall last
Bought by Him at such a cost
He will hold me fast

CHORUS

For my life He bled and died
Christ will hold me fast
Justice has been satisfied
He will hold me fast
Raised with Him to endless life
He will hold me fast
Till our faith is turned to sight
When he comes at last

Original Words: ADA HABERSHON

New Words: MATT MERKER

Prayer:

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury, pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
where there is sadness, joy

Saint Francis