“In the year of King Uzziah’s death I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple.” (Isaiah 6:1, LSB)

Over the last couple of days, I have watched as the world ponders what could have been, and what might be.

• A former US President and current candidate for the United States Presidency was almost assassinated.
• Today, the headlines are swirling around a major tech upheaval as computer systems all over the world are causing problems for airlines, 911 emergency systems, banking, and a host of other issues related to our hyper-networked world.
• And if that wasn’t enough, the calls for the current President of the United States to step out of the race due to growing concerns within the Democratic party over his ability to win his race against Donald Trump.

If I may, I want to jump back to the days that the words of Isaiah were written to connect some dots for my Christian readers. King Uzziah’s fall is described in 2 Chronicles 26:16-23. Although this king of Judah had started off well, his latter days were lived in the hous of a leper because he forgot who he was before God. This is a point we all need to watch for in our own lives. Our success is a matter of God’s grace upon us, and we need to watch our own hearts lest we well up with pride, the downfall of so many.

However, a more significant point touched my heart this morning as I meditated on the current events in our world, particularly in the US. The downfall and death of Uzziah must have been a shocking blow to the kingdom. This king, who was undoubtedly loved because of his faithfulness and care for his people, reigned over his kingdom for 52 years, taking the throne at the tender age of 16 (2Chron 26:3). America has never had a president reign in office for anywhere close to that time. The news of how he was stricken by God with leprosy in judgment must have been a severe blow to the nation, and then his eventual death must have brought the whole kingdom into a deep sense of mourning.

But Isaiah 6:1 is a passage that we need to ponder for our days. We could insert our own national calamities…

• “In the year that Donald Trump was almost assassinated…”
• “In the year that computer systems crashed and left our nation paralyzed…”
• “In the year that two planes were flown into the twin towers in New York city…”
• “In the year that…”

Who knows what will come tomorrow or next week? It seems like so much is coming quickly that we hardly have any time to breathe. How does the Christian faith deal with such chaotic times? Let’s read the rest of Isaiah 6:1: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, with the train of His robe filling the temple.“

While the kingdom of Judah was reeling in national grief and possibly confusion and fear for what would happen next, we read that the Lord God was sitting upon His throne, exalted. How does the Christian faith deal with an assassination attempt, a tech meltdown, a coup, war, a terrorist attack, or any other tragedy and upheaval that might come? We look to the heavens and recognize that our God is still in control and that He never lost it.

I am praying for America–for our current President, Vice President, and every other elected official. I am also praying for the many candidates who are running for office, including former President Donald Trump. I’m not simply praying for healing and protection for Donald Trump, but I recognize that all men will die one day in some manner. I am praying that America will look beyond the red, white, and blue into the heavens above and see that there is a Throne and He who is sitting on it is still in control. No matter what happens here in America or elsewhere on this planet–He knows, and He rules over it all. I pray that our president–whoever he is, bows his head in humble submission, recognizing that his every breath is given to him as a gift from God, and He alone sustains and removes it.

So, dear Christian friend, don’t fret. God is firmly seated upon His throne. No matter what comes, place your trust–not in men, nations, money, political parties, or any other idol–no, put your trust in Jesus Christ because He alone holds all power and authority.