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How to Make Sense of Political Outcomes

Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? JOB 38:1-2 NIV

In order to make sense of political outcomes, I must realize:

God cares more about personal sin than the political win

But Israel violated the instructions about the things set apart for the LORD. A man named Achan had stolen some of these dedicated things, so the LORD was very angry with the Israelites. JOSHUA 7:1 NLT

But they did not listen; …so that they did worse evil than the nations the Lord had destroyed before the Israelites. 2 KINGS 21:9 CSB

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? LUKE 6:41 ESV

When we only see the sins of others, we run to the polls to vote. When we see our own sins, we run to Jesus to be saved. 

…for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. ROMANS 3:23 NIV

God is willing to let anyone lose to save souls. 

Joshua sent some of his men from Jericho to spy out the town of Ai, east of Bethel, near Beth-aven. When they returned, they told Joshua, “There’s no need for all of us to go up there; it won’t take more than two or three thousand men to attack Ai. Since there are so few of them, don’t make all our people struggle to go up there.” So approximately 3,000 warriors were sent, but they were soundly defeated. The men of Ai chased the Israelites from the town gate as far as the quarries, and they killed about thirty-six who were retreating down the slope. The Israelites were paralyzed with fear at this turn of events, and their courage melted away. JOSHUA 7:2-5 NLT

Joshua made three mistakes:

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. PROVERBS 16:19 TNIV 

Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. MATTHEW 7:13 NIV  

The right thing is usually the harder thing.

The bigger the decision is, the more spiritual direction you need.

God wants to expose unhealthy emotions through unwanted outcomes

Joshua and the elders of Israel tore their clothing in dismay, threw dust on their heads, and bowed face down to the ground before the Ark of the LORD until evening. Then Joshua cried out, “Oh, Sovereign LORD, why did you bring us across the Jordan River if you are going to let the Amorites kill us? If only we had been content to stay on the other side! Lord, what can I say now that Israel has fled from its enemies? For when the Canaanites and all the other people living in the land hear about it, they will surround us and wipe our name off the face of the earth. And then what will happen to the honor of your great name?” JOSHUA 7:6-9  NLT 

God uses political loss to help me overcome my:  

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.  EPHESIANS 4:26-27 NLT

God wants me to be in touch with my emotions but not controlled by them. 

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. PHILIPPIANS 4:6-7 NIV 

When my emotions get the best of me, no one else does.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. JOSHUA 1:9 NLT

But the LORD said to Joshua, “Get up! Why are you lying on your face like this?”  JOSHUA 7:10 NLT

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Take a moment to relax your heart and mind. Take some deep breaths or go for an easy walk. When you’re ready, begin a conversation with God about what you’ve experienced during this election season. What thoughts or emotions have been recurring for you? Talk with God about them or ask him to help you identify them (if needed). In what way might God be inviting you to bring those thoughts and emotions in alignment with him and his word? What potential activities and/or commitments need to be made to help you have more Godly thoughts and emotions?” Take some time to jot down your prayer experience and if you’re willing, share it with someone you trust. Close your time by thanking God for his provision and care for you, and for meeting you in this time together.

Discussion Questions

  1. What is one thing that stood out to you this week in your personal Bible reading and prayer time?
  2. What are a few of your typical “go-to” methods of dealing with the unexpected or unwanted things that happen in life? Are they healthy for you?
  3. Read Joshua 7:1. In what ways have you seen your own private sins affect those around you?
  4. Continue Reading Joshua 7:2-5. Joshua made three mistakes in attacking Ai (He acted arrogantly, chose the easiest path and didn’t seek spiritual direction). Which of these mistakes do you usually make when faced with a hard decision and why do you think that is?
  5. Continue Reading Joshua 7:6-9. Of the three unhealthy emotions listed in the weekend message (anger, discouragement, or fear/anxiety), which has most affected you during this election cycle and what do you need to do about it?
  6. Continue Reading Joshua 7:10. What specific things can you do this week to get up and move on with your life?