Hope and Darkness
By Tom Gilbreath
With the inauguration of a new US president, hope is surging through a big portion of the population. Meanwhile, another part of the country eyes President Trump and his new administration with wariness, even dread. Still others shrug and say, “Just more of the same. Politicians make promises, get elected, take office, then real life happens.”
And they have a point. Donald Trump never expected Covid in his first term. The 9/11 terror attacks caught George W. Bush and the rest of Washington by surprise. Ronald Reagan was shot, something no one expected. The unforeseen hits every leader. We tend to judge them by how they handle the surprises, and by whether they keep their promises in spite of them.
One of the most used quotes in recent years comes from, of all people, boxer Mike Tyson. It’s quoted a lot because it applies to so many things. “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”
President Trump has the rare opportunity of a four-year gap between his terms. He had time to think and plan, to consider what he should have done differently the first time. Usually, a president gets more done in his first term than his second. But because of the four-year gap and the experience President Trump gleaned during his first administration, this could be an exception.
Still, the punch in the mouth will come. Whether you agree with President Trump’s policies or not, whether or not you like him as a person, the Bible still instructs you to pray for him. If you love God and love America, then pray for America’s leaders. Pray at this pivotal hour when things can go in so many different directions.
Those of us who study Bible prophecy have a reputation for being pessimistic about the immediate future (though never about the long-term). But we know that the future, both long-term and immediate, rests in God’s hands.
Most conservative prophecy teachers believe we are nearing the end of the age. If that’s so, and I believe it is, then Bible prophecy indicates that humanity’s broad trendlines are down. But that doesn’t confine us to a prison of fear. We who love Jesus are called to be salt and light. Our influence should be broad and deep, always with the highest motivations.
Bad things will certainly happen, but good things can happen. We don’t know what 2025 holds, nor any of the next four years. But we know Who holds us. So, keep a spring in your step and a smile on your face. We are citizens of God’s kingdom, and Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Let’s live like that. The King of kings and Lord of lords has chosen you to be on His side. So be at peace and walk in joy.
In coming weeks and years, bad things will happen. But good things will happen, too. So, pray expectantly, and trust God.
