Biblical Wisdom for a Brighter Future
Yael Eckstein | November 5, 2020
Election Day in the U.S. has come to a close, and I know that many Americans, including so many of my beloved family members and friends, are feeling anxious and uncertain about the future as we wait for the final results. Yet, as a woman of faith I believe that there are three things that we must do right now, and three Bible verses that we need to keep in mind, in order to ensure a bright future no matter how things unfold.
The first thing that we must do is pray. When we turn to God in prayer we are powerfully reminded that He is sovereign over all things. We did our part by voting, and now it is in His hands. No matter which candidate will be the President of the U.S. for the next four years, God is always in control. In Proverbs 21:1 we read that, “In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please him.” The hearts of all kings and leaders are in God’s hands. He can work through any person to direct each country according to His will.
Love Your Neighbor
The second thing that is imperative right now is to reach out to others with love. No other election has separated people as this one has. It has severed friendships and divided families. In addition, we have seen dangerous unrest on the streets and unprecedented hate across social media.
However, the irony is that if we let ourselves remain divided, then no matter who wins the election, we have all lost. A united America is a strong America, and the world needs the greatest democracy on earth to continue to be strong.
In Leviticus 19:18, God directs us, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself.” We are commanded to love others, no matter who they voted for. It is time to move on and heal through love.
Teach Our Children
Finally, the third thing that we need to do during this critical time is to remember that our children are watching us. It is our responsibility to model behavior that we would want them to exhibit when they are grown. The next generation is learning from how we act today.
This challenging time is an opportunity to teach children valuable lessons that will accompany them throughout their lives. We can teach them what it means to stand up for what we believe in while embracing those with whom we disagree. We can teach them to trust in God whether or not we understand His plan. We can teach them to act with grace and respect, both when we win and if we lose.
Scripture directs us to “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). If we want to create a better future for our children, it starts with what we teach them today.
My dear friends, if we stay in faith, love one another, and set a good example for our children, we will always be headed in the right direction. The biblical values upon which both Israel and America are founded are the values that will protect our future now.
Here in Jerusalem, we are praying for you. May God bless America!
