Just last week I was shopping in between the aisles of my favorite store, feeling the textures of sweaters and picking out fun holiday outfits, when I overheard a conversation on speakerphone someone was having with their friend.
This day in particular was in the days surrounding the election, and while there was so much tension in the air, I had a wave of relief knowing that things would soon be settling down…until I heard this conversation.
The woman standing close to me started using all kinds of language to describe people “on the other side” — words that hurt, because the other side was me. She proceeded to call everyone who voted a certain way dumb, stupid, and many other words I’m sure you can imagine.
Throughout these election days, I had been diligent to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I’m not saying that to pat my own back, but instead just sharing that I had a real peace about everything. I talked to God about it often and gave Him my worries and fears, and as tensions rose I trusted that God still held the world in His capable hands. I knew no matter what happened, everything would be ok.
But as soon as I overheard this conversation, it felt like a dagger to my heart. I started to go down the familiar rabbit trail of anxiety and confusion I’ve been down before…why is there so much hate in the world? Why can’t she see that other people are not dumb or stupid but just have differing opinions? Would she say these words to my face?
Suddenly my eyes were off Jesus and on to me.
I also felt that I had been instantly transported from a moment of peace and safety trusting the Father’s will to an abrupt halt focusing on what the world was really like - filled with darkness and strife.
I was Peter on the boat…there was a moment of walking on water, but then I started to look down at the waves.
There is this part in Daniel’s song of praise that really stood out to me in Daniel 2:22 where he says:
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.
As Pastor Jason said this Sunday, “We can rest in uncertainty because God’s plans are certain.”
God knows what is in the darkness, and even so…light dwells in Him. Even so, His plans are certain. Even so, I can rest knowing He is still on the throne. He sees all the darkness, but continues to reign as King over all.
I may never see that lady again. I may never be able to reason with her and show her that I am a person with feelings. I may never be able to share that I vote based on my convictions and through many nights of thoughtful prayer…but that’s ok.
At the end of it all, I am not living for her opinion, right? I have to be ok with God’s opinion being the only one that matters. I have to be ok trusting that He knows my heart. When confronted with darkness, I have to move forward in grace knowing He still holds the world together.
Whatever you are feeling in the aftermath of the election, or even just in your own personal struggles…I pray that God would meet you right where you are. I pray that He would give you specific wisdom and discernment like Daniel. And at the end of it all, I pray that your heart would rest knowing that His plans are certain.
This day in particular was in the days surrounding the election, and while there was so much tension in the air, I had a wave of relief knowing that things would soon be settling down…until I heard this conversation.
The woman standing close to me started using all kinds of language to describe people “on the other side” — words that hurt, because the other side was me. She proceeded to call everyone who voted a certain way dumb, stupid, and many other words I’m sure you can imagine.
Throughout these election days, I had been diligent to keep my eyes focused on Jesus. I’m not saying that to pat my own back, but instead just sharing that I had a real peace about everything. I talked to God about it often and gave Him my worries and fears, and as tensions rose I trusted that God still held the world in His capable hands. I knew no matter what happened, everything would be ok.
But as soon as I overheard this conversation, it felt like a dagger to my heart. I started to go down the familiar rabbit trail of anxiety and confusion I’ve been down before…why is there so much hate in the world? Why can’t she see that other people are not dumb or stupid but just have differing opinions? Would she say these words to my face?
Suddenly my eyes were off Jesus and on to me.
I also felt that I had been instantly transported from a moment of peace and safety trusting the Father’s will to an abrupt halt focusing on what the world was really like - filled with darkness and strife.
I was Peter on the boat…there was a moment of walking on water, but then I started to look down at the waves.
There is this part in Daniel’s song of praise that really stood out to me in Daniel 2:22 where he says:
He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him.
As Pastor Jason said this Sunday, “We can rest in uncertainty because God’s plans are certain.”
God knows what is in the darkness, and even so…light dwells in Him. Even so, His plans are certain. Even so, I can rest knowing He is still on the throne. He sees all the darkness, but continues to reign as King over all.
I may never see that lady again. I may never be able to reason with her and show her that I am a person with feelings. I may never be able to share that I vote based on my convictions and through many nights of thoughtful prayer…but that’s ok.
At the end of it all, I am not living for her opinion, right? I have to be ok with God’s opinion being the only one that matters. I have to be ok trusting that He knows my heart. When confronted with darkness, I have to move forward in grace knowing He still holds the world together.
Whatever you are feeling in the aftermath of the election, or even just in your own personal struggles…I pray that God would meet you right where you are. I pray that He would give you specific wisdom and discernment like Daniel. And at the end of it all, I pray that your heart would rest knowing that His plans are certain.
Erika Pizzo
Erika is an author of various books on the topics of faith, mental health, and victory in Christ. Erika lives with her husband, daughter, son, and their fluffy poodle in sunny Southern California. Her two favorite things are a visit to the beach and a chai latte in hand.