To quote John Newton: "The Lord is on his way, and great things are on the wheel. I cannot make crooked things straight, but he can. I wish to keep my eye upon his hand, to hide myself under the shadow of His wings, and to wait with awe, humiliation and patience, for what he is about to do. May we be found watching with our loins girded up and our lamps burning. "
Thank you for coming to the page to share your response. It is an act of defiance to resist the noise and the technology that overpower us today, inciting our nervous systems and our fear response. Today, my prayer is that people will be a) able to find a safe place to express their real emotions, so that we stay embodied, awake, and allow the emotions to be expressed and held—to be witnessed, if you will; and that b) we then do the slow work of returning to or nurturing those habits that return us to a solid place in God’s care, constant presence, and guidance. It is possible, but it does take such careful intention. Grace and peace to you today.
Thanks, Suzanne. Your words remind me to clarify that I am not suggesting we have to hurry past our emotions. And I am also not saying there aren't real-world consequences to an election result. I appreciate you're helping me to see and say this a little more carefully. Grace and peace to you, my friend.
This is the first thing I read on Wednesday morning, after the election, after a sleepless night and tears and a fear of what would happen next. Your words were exactly what I needed to hear, especially about stepping away from politics as an identity, and basing my identity where it matters. Thanks to you, I was convicted to take Twitter and TikTok off my phone, stop listening to political podcasts, and to try reading books (something I used to love doing) instead of doomscrolling. I mean, it's only been one day, but I am feeling a difference, as well as a renewed desire to make change in my own spheres of influence, where they really matter. I appreciate your words!
Thank you thank you for your words. I felt as if I had experienced a death this morning. In many ways it is a death. But, Not the end. Jesus wins! May I keep my eyes on Him and remember
Thank you for this. As a Canadian living here in the states my heart is heavy this morning yet as you reminded me Jesus is where my eyes and heart stay fixed.
Oh Jen. Thank you for your comments this morning. Here in Toronto I have been following the American election cycle with great concern, and was saddened and sobered at the outcome. Your post this morning has encouraged me - yes, we fix our eyes on our Saviour and King who will rule with justice and righteousness, under whose reign there will be no more evil, corruption, and chaos. These testy days have stirred in my heart a greater longing for Christ's return, and deeper gratitude to have been redeemed and welcomed as a citizen of His never-ending kingdom.
I walked outside to a cool breeze this morning. Looking up I saw colors of peachy pink swirled on a canvas of calm blue. “There is a time for everything” and “everything is beautiful in its time” was my thought. Thank you for your perspective this morning to look upward beyond leaders and government to find our true hope and strength and justice. No matter what side we align with. I’m comforted to hear your words and agree so deeply with your perspective to look up beyond the podium of power, to the One whom holds our universe together.
Jen, this is so well said. I also love the rain in the morning and your reference to God's word that He provides that peaceful blessing to all people. Thank you for your perspective and for reminding us that the LORD alone is worthy of ALL our praise!
This is a good reminder. Recently in the UK the party I voted for was elected. And whilst this I was pleased and relieved in many ways now a few months in I'm disappointed in the many ways this party too has done things that weren't in the interests of the poor. I remind myself that Jesus is the only ruler who won't disappoint or fall short.
Thanks Jen for writing this. Today, I grieve and take time to reflect and pray. Tonight I have friends coming over to just enjoy the life we have as new friends. Tomorrow I begin once again to focus on Loving God and Loving people. Honestly, it’s a struggle to listen to Christ followers praise a man like Trump. So, lots of prayer, today, tomorrow and everyday to focus on Jesus and remind myself, I desire to practice being an Image Bearer of Christ not the world.
One of the first things I saw on my phone this morning was a notification about a BibleProject video for their Sermon on the Mount series. Which felt very fitting.
Jen, when I saw the news this morning I felt so sad and sick, yet as a woman who’s been in ministry my whole life I recommit myself to the work of faith. I have shared your essay with others just as I shared your prayer from Monday. Bless you for taking the time to bless us.
The daily rule of life to make coffee and spend time in solitude with the Lord spoke to me today. Not just because of today, but it’s a discipline that is also one of the biggest blessings that can be overlooked as such. Here’s to early morning candles (I light one as a practice as a physical reminder of God’s presence), coffee, prayer, scripture, and an awesome set of pens and a journal with smooth paper! ☺️
I’m so grateful for your words and perspective this morning. I,like will return to the good work I have to do, like loving my neighbor and contributing to human flourishing in my small corner of the world.
Amen, amen. Thank you for these words.
To quote John Newton: "The Lord is on his way, and great things are on the wheel. I cannot make crooked things straight, but he can. I wish to keep my eye upon his hand, to hide myself under the shadow of His wings, and to wait with awe, humiliation and patience, for what he is about to do. May we be found watching with our loins girded up and our lamps burning. "
Wonderful. So glad you shared this, Abby!
Amen Abby ♥️!!
Thank you for coming to the page to share your response. It is an act of defiance to resist the noise and the technology that overpower us today, inciting our nervous systems and our fear response. Today, my prayer is that people will be a) able to find a safe place to express their real emotions, so that we stay embodied, awake, and allow the emotions to be expressed and held—to be witnessed, if you will; and that b) we then do the slow work of returning to or nurturing those habits that return us to a solid place in God’s care, constant presence, and guidance. It is possible, but it does take such careful intention. Grace and peace to you today.
Thanks, Suzanne. Your words remind me to clarify that I am not suggesting we have to hurry past our emotions. And I am also not saying there aren't real-world consequences to an election result. I appreciate you're helping me to see and say this a little more carefully. Grace and peace to you, my friend.
This is the first thing I read on Wednesday morning, after the election, after a sleepless night and tears and a fear of what would happen next. Your words were exactly what I needed to hear, especially about stepping away from politics as an identity, and basing my identity where it matters. Thanks to you, I was convicted to take Twitter and TikTok off my phone, stop listening to political podcasts, and to try reading books (something I used to love doing) instead of doomscrolling. I mean, it's only been one day, but I am feeling a difference, as well as a renewed desire to make change in my own spheres of influence, where they really matter. I appreciate your words!
Praise God! Some of these same
choices are helping me too!
Thank you thank you for your words. I felt as if I had experienced a death this morning. In many ways it is a death. But, Not the end. Jesus wins! May I keep my eyes on Him and remember
Thanks for reading, Elaine, and may God enfold you in his peace!
Thank you for this. As a Canadian living here in the states my heart is heavy this morning yet as you reminded me Jesus is where my eyes and heart stay fixed.
I am glad this turned your eyes toward him, author and perfector of our faith!
Oh Jen. Thank you for your comments this morning. Here in Toronto I have been following the American election cycle with great concern, and was saddened and sobered at the outcome. Your post this morning has encouraged me - yes, we fix our eyes on our Saviour and King who will rule with justice and righteousness, under whose reign there will be no more evil, corruption, and chaos. These testy days have stirred in my heart a greater longing for Christ's return, and deeper gratitude to have been redeemed and welcomed as a citizen of His never-ending kingdom.
Yes, his reign alone is one of true justice and perfect righteousness!
I walked outside to a cool breeze this morning. Looking up I saw colors of peachy pink swirled on a canvas of calm blue. “There is a time for everything” and “everything is beautiful in its time” was my thought. Thank you for your perspective this morning to look upward beyond leaders and government to find our true hope and strength and justice. No matter what side we align with. I’m comforted to hear your words and agree so deeply with your perspective to look up beyond the podium of power, to the One whom holds our universe together.
And with a word! Holding all of it together with just a word!
Whew. I'm glad I took time to read this. That last part. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Grateful you found it helpful, Laura!
Amen. Jesus reigns : )
Amen! So be it!
Jen, this is so well said. I also love the rain in the morning and your reference to God's word that He provides that peaceful blessing to all people. Thank you for your perspective and for reminding us that the LORD alone is worthy of ALL our praise!
Thanks for reading, and I'm glad for your encouragement!
This is a good reminder. Recently in the UK the party I voted for was elected. And whilst this I was pleased and relieved in many ways now a few months in I'm disappointed in the many ways this party too has done things that weren't in the interests of the poor. I remind myself that Jesus is the only ruler who won't disappoint or fall short.
Thanks for sharing this perspective! Political “victories” aren’t always as sweet as we imagine them.
Thanks Jen for writing this. Today, I grieve and take time to reflect and pray. Tonight I have friends coming over to just enjoy the life we have as new friends. Tomorrow I begin once again to focus on Loving God and Loving people. Honestly, it’s a struggle to listen to Christ followers praise a man like Trump. So, lots of prayer, today, tomorrow and everyday to focus on Jesus and remind myself, I desire to practice being an Image Bearer of Christ not the world.
Janet, God bless your desire to image him in the world!
One of the first things I saw on my phone this morning was a notification about a BibleProject video for their Sermon on the Mount series. Which felt very fitting.
Providential timing!!
Jen, when I saw the news this morning I felt so sad and sick, yet as a woman who’s been in ministry my whole life I recommit myself to the work of faith. I have shared your essay with others just as I shared your prayer from Monday. Bless you for taking the time to bless us.
I pray that you continue to shepherd those well under your care, Maggie!
Thank you, and AMEN.
Glad you're reading and finding things here helpful!
The daily rule of life to make coffee and spend time in solitude with the Lord spoke to me today. Not just because of today, but it’s a discipline that is also one of the biggest blessings that can be overlooked as such. Here’s to early morning candles (I light one as a practice as a physical reminder of God’s presence), coffee, prayer, scripture, and an awesome set of pens and a journal with smooth paper! ☺️
I’m so grateful for your words and perspective this morning. I,like will return to the good work I have to do, like loving my neighbor and contributing to human flourishing in my small corner of the world.
Oh yes, please do! We are hungry for it!