The Day the Lord Has Made

At any given moment there exists, at the doorway to the future, two possible realities. The first realm is a darkened world full of the consequences of sin. Its ongoing rebellion toward God, coupled with the unredeemed events of the past, makes this reality a living extension of hell. Here, conflicts escalate into wars and become more devastating; in this infected world, morality degrades into depravity. Yes, and among those who would seek to make a difference, the grip of fear immobilizes their actions. It is of this demonically manipulated world that the Scripture tells us to walk circumspectly for “the days are evil” (Eph. 5:16, NKJV).

Yet, there is another reality, a different “day,” that is also accessible to mankind. This transcendent realm is the “prayed for” version of the first reality. It, too, stands ready to reveal itself. The distresses of life are mostly the same but the outcomes are different. This realm is full of miracles, heavenly reversals of evil plots, and divine intervention. Here, sin is confronted, demonic strongholds toppled, and iniquity redeemed by the power of Christ. The enemy, who came in one way, flees seven ways in the brightness of this unfolding reality. Scripture has a name for this realm as well. It is called “the day the Lord has made,” and we cannot help but “rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24).

Since time began, both of these realities have always existed. The Scriptures bear witness to numerous occasions on which people have cried out to God and found the Almighty a willing ally in transforming their culture. When the Israelites humbled themselves, repented and prayed, and sought again the face of God, the Lord intervened, restored their land, and scattered their enemies.

Yet this promise was not for Israel only. Consider also the ancient Ninevites. When they humbled themselves and prayed, the day of mercy dawned upon them as well. In just three days, their entire society went from a people cursed to a people revived, prosperous and blessed. The key that unlocked the transcendent day was their attitude toward God.

Recent Elections

I’m talking about walking into either of two realities, and I am talking to those evangelical Christians who may be discouraged by the outcome of recent elections in America. My friends, let me remind you: The future of our nation is not determined by an election, but by the faith of the elect. If we continue to pursue God, humble ourselves, and persevere in our intercession, God can turn this nation toward Him in remarkable and powerful ways.

Yet, let me qualify my observation that Christians may be discouraged. I should have said, “A number of white Christians are depressed.” It would be wrong to say whites were disappointed due to racial reasons (many would have voted for a man of color like Alan Keyes). Their concerns were due to the pro-choice stand of Barack Obama. Yet the fact is, president-elect Obama’s victory has filled many African-Americans with a profound sense of joy. Indeed, the election of a black president by a majority of Americans from all backgrounds says that the American dream is coming to pass.

This dream is embodied in our national Pledge of Allegiance. Remember, our allegiance is not merely to the flag but [to] the “republic for which it stands.” We are stating our commitment to this amazing vision, that America would truly become “one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.”

That succinctly worded pledge is a commitment to seeing America in revival! Yes, we must still fight for liberty and justice for the unborn, but let us remember this breakthrough of racial healing has long been on the heart of God. Hope is rising for many who were bound by hopelessness. Although there will always be extremists and racists on both sides of the cultural divide, we are at a new beginning in America.

The fact is, regardless of who was elected president, the problems facing America are staggering. Threats of economic collapse [and] conflicts around the world, plus the possibility of a new cold war, all await the president-elect. We must pray aggressively about these major issues.

So, my appeal is that we not be unbelieving as this new day unfolds. For the outcome of this day is determined by how the church responds. Let us, therefore, lift our eyes to the possibilities of God. We have a great opportunity to stand in the gap and intercede for our new president. If we stay the course, we will enter the day the Lord has made, and breakthroughs previously unimaginable will come.