Lately, okay for the entire year, it seems like we are being inundated with multiple campaign ads. We are in what I call the season of politicians.

People everywhere are passionately discussing who should be our next leaders. It doesn’t seem to matter whether it is local, national or world wide; the discussions are taking place. Some discussions are civil while others are filled with hate and anger. Often the one with the loudest voice is the one that dominates the conversation. From where does all of this passion come? I believe the root is fear. Fear for our future and what it holds for you and me.

This is why the words from the psalmist become more important for us today. It reminds us our Lord God, who created the heavens and earth, is with us.

We are called to rest, be fed and trust God for all things especially protection from our enemies both known and unknown. God leads us home to his kingdom where there is no fear, only joy and gratitude for what we have been given. God prevails over all things, yes, even elections. Whether or not the person you vote for becomes our next leader is not nearly as important when you consider God is the one who gives us leaders.

God can and does work through all things for the sake of the world. After all, we were created to be loved by God and to be love for God’s world. When it seems like the world is falling apart around us, we hear and even experience God’s grace in the most unexpected places.

However, the greatest gift we receive in our broken world is Jesus, God’s only begotten son. By receiving the gift of Jesus and placing our trust in God’s only begotten son, we can rest, be fed and trust all will be well.

What will the future hold? I don’t know, but God does.

Heavenly Father, we live in uncertain times and are challenged everyday to keep our faith and trust in You. Help us in our weakness to be strong for you, our families and our neighbors. Show us your endless possibilities. Fill us with the hope of our salvation which comes to us from you. Lead us to places where we might in turn serve you and bring your Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ to all people of all nations. Amen.

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.

He makes me lie down in green pastures;

He leads me beside still waters;

He restores my soul.

He leads me in right paths

for his name’s sake.

Even though I walk through the darkest valley,

I fear no evil;

for you are with me;

your rod and your staff —

they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me

in the presence of my enemies;

you anoint my head with oil;

my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life,

and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord

my whole life long.