FAITH IN POLITICS WON’T WORK

J. Grant Swank, Jr.

“Some boast in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”
Psalm 20:7

In a confused world, even the believer may find himself out of his element. That is, he may find himself swept up in the anxious talkathons so as to miss sight of God. That can happen. We’re mortal, remember — spiritually flawed creatures.

Therefore, with all that’s going on around us — a world caught in its own webs — the believer continues to look above it all into the face of God.

There are those putting their trust in the hands of horsemen on chariots. Such folly. They are as flawed as the rest of us. The other afternoon I reminded myself of that basic while walking into a neighboring sanctuary. (Thank God for some churches that still keep their doors unlocked during weekdays).

While seated in that Lakes Region church, I felt holiness take over the shadows. There was a needed quietness. I unwound. I pondered. I then lifted a hymnal to leaf through its pages, scanning the messages of hope above the fray.

Then I opened a Bible that was resting nearby. There I came upon the familiar verses that have always drawn me away from fretting and worry into mercy and light.

“Some boast in chariots, and some in horses; But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.

“Indeed, none of those who wait for Thee will be ashamed. . .Make me to know Thy ways, O Lord; Teach me Thy paths. Lead me in Thy truth and teach me, For Thou art the God of my salvation; For Thee I wait all the day.” Psalm 25:3-5

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4

“Let integrity and uprightness preserve me; For I wait for Thee.” Psalm 25:21

“Wait for the Lord; Be strong, and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14

God is watching. God sees it. God is very much aware. The world finally is His property, after all. Granted, it has fallen temporally into the hands of the prince of the power of the air — Satan. But God is still Alpha and Omega. He is the Start and Finish. He provided the call of creation. He will provide the call to conclusion. It is God who has overseen the ins and outs of all human history. It is this God who capes the globe with His judgment and His mercy.

Therefore, those who have come under God’s grace leave the workings of history to God. Chariots and horsemen may dart to and fro. They always will. But the believer’s trust is not in them; it is in the God of time and eternity.

Does God sit by and merely ponder? No. God acts. And God is acting now. Then what believers need to do in the hour of confusion and peril is to fling their hearts more deeply into God. God is not only in history. God is above history. Therefore, when the believer flings his trust deeply into God, he anchors himself into One who not only impregnates Himself in the world’s doings but ultimately rounds out those doings. Therefore, the obedient believer’s outcome is secure — grounded — sure.

Consequently, this is a time for praising God, not pouting or bewailing or twisting one’s hands in doom. This is the time for praising God above the swirl. This is the very moment when heaven waits for children of grace to call out the powerful name of God. Even in the midst of flame. In the sight of quaking hills and dales. Call out the mighty name of the Lord God!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear it and rejoice, O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

“I sought the Lord, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces shall never be ashamed.” Psalm 34:1-4

Pray now that — beginning where you live — then across the world believers of every land and tongue will come together as one magnificent chorus of praise. In that, we will radiate hope in a dark world. We will shine forth His wisdom and love. We will counter the forces of destruction and mayhem.

In a recent neighborhood Bible study I attended, those gathered voiced that this is why we are here at this very time. It is not by chance that we are breathing. We are ambassadors for God in a troubled time. We must see through our station for His mission presses us to the front lines.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! O fear the Lord, you His saints; For to those who fear Him, there is no want.” Psalm 34:8-9

You are knowledgeable concerning the headlines? You can dialogue with the best of them on political currents? You have opinions strong and convincing? You are fresh from the newspapers with the latest? You are scouring the detail for shoring up your side?

You are also worn out, frazzled and numb. You are wilting on the vine.

But you are not only a citizen of the world — sophisticated and articulate. You are also a believer. You are one of those who speaks to God. You say you pray, don’t you? Then pray. Closet yourself away in the “secret place.” Bolster your soul with, not only the knowledge of today’s news, but the insight of the eternities. Let God speak to you above the battle. Let God guide you through the murky mist. Let God comfort you in the depths.

This is the hour for boasting — not in chariots and horsemen — but in God Almighty. Do it and be radiant. Do it and be glad. Do it and praise His holy name — now and forevermore.

“Some boast in chariots, and some in horses;
But we will boast in the name of the Lord, our God.”
Psalm 20:7