The other day as I was driving home from an errand, I saw political signs on every street corner. Most of them just bore the name of a candidate. One I liked said, “People, not politics,” but it was sponsored by a political party. It would be nice to see signs that endorse attitudes we should have instead of only endorsing a political party.

I’m sure you’ll agree that politics in the US has gotten really nasty. We could use some prompting toward better attitudes (since we know after election day, lots of people will be unhappy, regardless of who wins!)

Here’s the slogan I came up with, one I’d like to put on a sign along with the others:

 Republican or Democrat? Regardless, keep your eyes above. Remember in all things to love.

What I meant was the importance of keeping our eyes on the bigger picture, remembering that, regardless of what happens, we should all stay civil and loving.

That’s good advice for the American people right now. We get frustrated about politics, about being quarantined, about the guy who’s not wearing his mask. We get upset about a lot of things and some of them are truly difficult. But if we fix our gaze above the “now” and believe our world and our futures are in the hands of an eternal God, it helps. He who is not surprised, frustrated, or anxious about anything because he sees and controls the big picture (I mean the really big one) . . . lean back on him. It’s helpful to remember that our current moment in history is like a dot for him. As Christians, it’s a worthy privilege to remember God’s sovereignty over all things present and future.

Some people dread the election of the candidate they don’t like as if life as we know it will be over. Perspective: many peoples over the centuries and currently have had to submit to political authorities far worse than we’ll ever know (remember Stalin? Hussein? Amin? Hitler? Kaddafi?) Life wasn’t easy under those rulers, and they didn’t have a 4-year term, either. Just know that whatever happens, it could be worse and we aren’t stuck forever. (And remember, in all things to love.)

But here’s an even better perspective:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him. For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas and built it on the ocean depths.” Psalm 24:1-2  (emphasis mine)

“Your royal laws cannot be changed. Your reign, O Lord, is holy forever and ever.” Psalm 93:5

Doesn’t that just make you want to let out a sigh of relief and relax your shoulders and fists? That’s the bigger picture for us. Because we know that whatever happens, God’s foundation stands. No pandemic or political contest will change that. Yes, we’ll have growth opportunities through the trials, challenges, or unfortunate outcomes of our lives. But there’s a bigger picture.

Last Easter I happened upon this song by Chris Tomlin and it instantly became my favorite worship song ever. Every time I have listened to it since, it has the same effect on me—setting my thoughts straight, reminding me of the entire Gospel, and God’s plan for his loved ones. I’ll give you the link HERE so you can listen.

I hope it lifts your eyes above today, next Tuesday, and in the future.