On a gray, cool morning this week as my husband, Jim, and I began our day, I was discouraged. Now I know in my heart that discouragement is not good and it does not come from God. I’ve mentioned that often to myself and others, but I still felt this way. You see, instead of starting my day with reading my Bible and praying, I perused Facebook. A deadly place to put any kind of hope. Our thoughts on most subjects are divided. There are multiple opinions about everything and now with the Presidential Election coming soon, seems even more divided.

I put my iPad away and turned to my Bible–like I should have in the first place. I wanted to weep, I was so disheartened. Before I began to read, I prayed  something like this: Lord, I’m so upset and don’t understand why people are deceived. I need encouragement right now. Would you give me some, please?

I opened a book that I highly recommend: 31 Days of Praise by Ruth Meyers. Each month most days, we read out of this book. Every time we do, I am encouraged. This gray morning was no exception. First we read in Hebrews 4:13 (MSG),

We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Then my all time favorite verse, Romans 8:28-29 (MSG), one I’ve memorized and it once again, gave me hope:

Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Wow! I was so encouraged by those words. The Holy Spirit knew I was discouraged by the divided climate we are locked in right now. I like the  this phrase, That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

I haven’t told you what political party I’m in. I haven’t told you what issues disturb me. I haven’t told you who I will vote for. It doesn’t matter right now. I know people on both sides are going to vote differently. He will work it out.

Now that doesn’t mean I stop praying. That doesn’t mean I can’t speak out about my party and who and what I’m voting for, but it does mean I can know God knows….He will work it into something good.

I wept tears of joy that morning. I was helped by turning to God’s word instead of man’s word and I was encouraged! I’m still concerned  how this election turns out. We still must pray and I will. Will you join me? And please, take the time to vote and be informed.

I couldn’t resist sharing some Autumn photos with you. Doesn’t that knobby pumpkin make you smile? It did me!