Certainly you’ve had multiple conversations this week with friends, family, and co-workers.  Some feel elated, and others feel devastated.  Each of us needs walked back in from the ledge sometimes.  Indeed, there are other times when we all need to be brought back down from the clouds.

There’s no shortage of extreme emotions.  Right, wrong, or indifferent, we’re surrounded by them.

What role are we to play as Christians?  “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15).  These words from Paul come to mind.  They ring true.

For those who find themselves on the extremes of the emotional scale because of election results, I would strongly urge you to consider 3 things:

1. Shift your perspective to one of a broader historical context. We live in a very brief span of what is a long human history.  Even in our own contemporary times, our nation represents a relatively small portion of the world (approximately 5%).  I’ve visited more than 20 countries, and I confidently carry the message that there is no reason for you to feel devastated by your individual (and certainly by our national) circumstances.
2. With that broader perspective, consider that your opinion – indeed, my opinion too – doesn’t really mean that much. With the world’s population, there are about 7 billion opinions floating around most of the time.  Certainly you – and certainly I – care more about what you think than anyone else does.  Reach this destination intellectually first.  Your emotions will follow.  Believe it or not, you actually control them.  There’s certainly a peace that comes with the realization that my opinion is only one of many.
3. Anchor the deepest parts of yourself – your heart, soul, and mind – to something other than political policies and Presidential candidates. Both are certainly important.  But we’ve discussed that “important” is a relative word (see again the above recommendations).  Why not attach yourself to the truth?  Attach your faith, your very being, to the Lord.  Your creator.  That’s why you were made, to love and worship him with the deepest parts of yourself.

 “Commit your way to the Lord” (Psalm 37).

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.  Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7).

“Cast your burden upon the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken” (Psalm 5:22).

“Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).

• Scripture / Doctrine
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