I’m nervous.
In spite of the glowing sun hitting the trees and the cool breeze making the grass sway, in spite of the musical birds nesting in the trees above the back porch, I’m nervous.
I’m not only nervous, I’m anxious.
In spite of my desire to avoid the news cycle and to not become consumed with social media, I’m nervous about the election and the future of America.
Wait.
Before you assume I’m about to make a political endorsement, just know I don’t do that.
Though I desperately want my favorite candidate to win, for the good of the future of our country, I don’t feel it’s my place to try to influence you just because I happen to have a platform.
I’ve spent too many years hopefully building your trust and respect, and for me to try and convince you that my candidate is better is a fool’s game. Nothing I say will change your mind.
But I am anxious because the media rhetoric has me believing that if my person does not win, the world will change for the worse. The problem is, the other side believes the same thing.
We all want a better world, a better economy, a safer place and a better life for our kids and grandkids.
My Prayer
I was having a conversation about this with God in my prayer this morning … Here’s how it went.
Me: Hi, God. Thank you for this beautiful day. But I have to admit, I woke up a little nervous. I have a little anxiety.
God: Anxiety? Really, Eric? Why?
Me: I’m worried about the election. I’m worried about our country. I’m worried about the future of America and the future of my kids’ freedom.
God: OK, got it. How can I help you?
Me: Well, I don’t know. I was thinking of praying that you make sure my candidate gets elected, but what if I’m wrong?
God: You’ve prayed for things before that were wrong. Sometimes I’ve answered your prayers and they turned out not to be good for you.
Me: I know. Why?
God: Because sometimes what you want isn’t good for you and I need to show you that you need to be more reliant on me, not on things. After all, I’m not Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny. I’m not here to grant wishes like a genie in a bottle, I’m here for you to worship me, and for you to change your life because you want to please me, not because you want to win brownie points. Remember, no matter how good you are, you cannot earn your way into heaven. There is only one way.
Me: Thanks for the reminder. So what can I do about my anxiety?
God: Let me handle it. Turn it over to me. Instead of praying for your candidate, pray that my will be done.
Me: I know, but it’s hard to let go. I want to control things.
God: Trust me. I’ve got everything under control. If you don’t get your way, maybe there is a lesson you need to learn. Remember, Eric, I’ve got this. I’ve seen every ruler since the beginning of time. Some were good, some were bad. I give you free will for a reason. I’ve watched a lot of countries destroy themselves because they put the wrong people in power.
Me: OK, God.
God: Your prayers mean everything to me. I want to hear from you. I want everyone to turn to me. I want you to change your plans according to my plans for you. But that means you have to trust me. You have to talk to me, and listen to me.
Think about this … there are two quarterbacks. Both take a knee and pray to win the game. Just because one does not win the game does not mean I don’t love them both. There is a reason for everything. You need to rely on me, but you need to listen to the lessons when things don’t go your way. Stop stressing. I have people who love me who are praying for both candidates. My followers are not Democrats, Republicans, or Libertarians. They are all in my family. Just know, I’m in control.
Me: OK. I agree. I pray that whoever ends up with the keys to the country, you bless them, guide them, and lead their heart to make the right decisions for the good of the people.
God: Now you get it.
Your Vote on Tuesday
If you’re someone who prays, pray that God will lead your heart and your decision. Pray that you’ll listen to the voice inside of you, pray for the future of this great land, and pray that our leader will do what’s best for our people. Most importantly, pray for God’s will.And if your person does not win, just know that there is a reason. Embrace it, learn from it, and keep praying for our leaders even if you don’t like them. Pray for your enemies.
If you’re not someone who prays, listen to your heart, not your head. Don’t succumb to the pressure of others. Be the real you. Most importantly, no matter what, get out and vote. Don’t ever think your vote does not matter.
And if you’re anxious, give it up to God.
Eric Rhoads
PS: This is all very entertaining. Though I’m tired of all the political nonsense, it’s fun trying to predict what happens next, what bomb will be dropped on each candidate or what distraction will show up to keep us from voting. It’s better than any movie.
But … I know a lot of people who have put their lives on hold. Their world will come to an end, they think, if the wrong person gets into office. Don’t let this stop you from living your life, doing what you need to be doing. Lick your wounds or celebrate, but in either case, move on and get back to living the richest life possible.
Speaking of entertaining…
Just around the corner in November is my next online conference. It’s called Realism Live, and it’s the last time we’re gonna do it for a couple of years. It’s THE BEST ALL AROUND ART CONFERENCE for those who want to learn a little bit of every kind of realism art … landscape painting, drawing, portraits, figures, still life, and more. I think we’re down to our last 200 seats (this is a massive worldwide art training event that THOUSANDS have attended), and I suspect those seats will go fast because the price increases very soon. Register at www.RealismLive.com.
Wanna Get Away to the Sun?
A lot of the country had its first snow this week. By February, you’ll be sick of gray days. My newest artist retreat is called WINTER ESCAPE. It’s being held in St. Augustine, FL, the oldest city in America, and we’re going to implement some new things we’ve never tried at our other retreats. We’re already 47% sold out. If you wanna go, sign up now. If we get enough people, we’ll be able to take over a whole hotel on our own, which will make it even more fun. Check it out at www.winterartescape.com.
Watercolor People…
Watercolor Live is coming up in January, and it’s already exceeding expectations. Register at www.WatercolorLive.com.
Hi Eric
I loved this comment and I so agree with you.
I am so glad I found you on the internet. You are special and the free video classes are simply awesome. It helps me as I take care of my son with a brain tumor and I can escape here. With my favorite thing ART
Thank you Eric. As Christians we know that the outcome is in God’s plan. Our days on earth are numbered. Heaven is for eternity!
Thank you.
It was so good to read your comments about the election….God knows I fall into the control rut and He has to remind me , often, of who wrote the end of The Book.
Bless you for all you do. I pray for you as I do for whoever we deserve in the White House, to be surrounded with the right people to help guide you.
Thank you for trusting God with this election.
The Holy Bible app shared this verse from 1 Thessalonians 5:15 NIV
Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.
Wonderful, Eric! My sentiments as well. The Lord is I. Control as He is in ultimate control of everything. He does give people what they want sometimes even if it is not good for them (just read about the Israelites in Old Testament) , however He will turn what the enemy meant for evil to good and for His purpose. Always. He has never failed and never will. This we can be assured. Happy Sunday and many thanks! 😊
I live a life of anxiety Eric. I do believe I should “let go and let God”. So perhaps I don’t speak to God as frequently as I could or should. So many really desperate people must be trying to ask for help. . .I don’t want to tie up the prayer waves. I do desperately believe that we should all care for and protect Gods entire Creation, and I am so worried about the continued well being of all the living beings we still have on our precious planet. I hope to be able to let my heart relax a bit soon. . .I am so very tired of fear about this.
Yes, above all else, we need to trust in God, the Almighty God!! Agree 500%!! I put high stock in your prayers, Eric, Dear Friend, as you know. They get mixed in with my own! We all have our role to play in God’s perfect and magnificent tapestry that He alone is weaving. God has put on my heart to speak the things He puts there for me to say, as I prayerfully discern them, and I have heard that (no matter the outcome) “IT WILL BE OKAY.” Truth. Fighting for truth so that others are not deceived. Fighting for the protection of children against evil agendas, as I have felt called by Him to do. But, The battle is really the Lord’s! I just pray to be his conduit in whatever is my role to play out for His Glory. He always makes a beautiful painting of pieces and parts that sometimes do not appear, on the surface to fit together. But, He brings it all together in incredible fusion in the end. God bless you always and be with you and thank you, thank you for your innermost thoughts and conversations with God. SO AMAZING!! Always….
There are two quotes that I do my best to recall when something makes me anxious. The first one: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayers. Prayer is the best weapon we have. It is the key to God’s heart.” – Padre Pio of Pietrelcina
And, the second one: “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away; God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” – St. Teresa of Avila
Thanks for putting your heart out there and remind us to give it to God.
Thank you Eric for the reminder that God is in control and wants us to remember that. That’s why painting is essential for our physical, mental and spiritual self. When I paint, I let go of all the stuff of this world and enjoy creating something new. Thanks for your words of wisdom today.
I am a nobody, unable to influencing anybody so I have no problem saying Trump will restrain Antichrist and any liberal will unleash Antichrist. Rapture, magog war, tribulation then Yeshua seated king of kings.
PS.
I understand you can’t say professionally, but tell all you can. Yeshua is coming soon.
Yes! My husband had an afterlife experience over 25 years ago. He had terminal liver cancer and sat with Jesus while he watched the drs work on his body. He was shown many things, one being these are the times written and the other, that our country would fall. My husband survived, his recovery over 3 years was a miracle. So much so, that he was interviewed by unexplained mysteries and Nova.
One of your best Eric! Thank you, we all need a reminder sometimes! Janice Lindboe (Fort Wayne South Side 1959). (Yes I went to the game)
Line from the movie with Tom Hanks is..
Are you worried?
… would it help?
Breathe, VOTE, and trust
Stay where your feet are…. In today
You are right on target with your thoughts and feelings on the election. This time of year, the mute button on television remote is of great benefit. Better still, having already voted early, I will be outside, painting with a group of friends, during the day. Tuesday night, I’ll be watching reruns, rather than returns. Time enough to see results on Wednesday morning. And, time enough to start working out if we are living in a democracy or an autocracy.
Exactly what I needed this morning Eric. Thank you for bringing me back to reality. It’s so easy to get caught up in the current “washing machine “ of anxiety. I’m going to have a second cup of coffee say thanks for my day and my talent put on some great music, THEN get to painting
Thank you Eric, great reminder to trust Him. He has used good leaders and evil leaders to accomplish His will in the past. He wins regardless.