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Our nation's capital is often referred to as "the swamp"---often for good reason.
While most Americans have a sense of pride and respect, and even awe as we visit the most powerful seat of government in the history of the world.
We're proud to be an American.
And many who serve in our government share those sentiments.
But we are also mindful that "the swamp" is also a breeding ground for a segment of people and power brokers who do not love the America our Founders created, nor the enduring, biblical principles upon which our nation was conceived.
Some thoughts and images on crossing and conquering "the swamp."
Crossing the Swamp.
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| Note: List of figures from left to right: Nikki Haley, James Mattis, Ben Carson, President Trump, Jeff Sessions, Mike Pence, Melania Trump, Mike Pompeo, Sarah Sanders, Ivanka Trump, John Bolton, Kellyanne Conway, John Kelly. |
Artist Jon McNaughton said this of his newly painted portrait titled, "Crossing The Swamp."
Over 240 years ago George Washington suffered through Valley Forge and crossed the Delaware River to bring an astonishing victory to the Continental Army. This led to what many thought was impossible, to defeat a despot King and his formidable army.
Today, Trump endeavors to cross the “swamp” of Washington DC as he carries the light of truth, hope, and prosperity. The murky water of the deep state is laced with dangerous vermin, perfectly willing to destroy American prosperity for their personal ideologies and financial gain. The establishment Democrats, Never-Trumper-Republicans, Deep State, and Fake News Media will do all they can to stop the majority of the American people from succeeding.
As an artist, I paint what I feel needs to be said about the current state of our country. My hope is that Trump will be remembered as the president that restored America’s greatness. I want to be on that boat for freedom!
The president has surrounded himself with some of the best, most conservative, most talented, deeply committed Christians in the history of presidential administrations. They are in the boat to help chart the course of our nation---so much so that the media repeatedly mocks the president for his choice of "right-wing" extremists, etc.
"The extremists" evangelicals are Vice President Pence, Sec. of State Mike Pompeo, Cabinet members, Ben Carson, Betsy DeVos, and Rick Perry; White House Press Sec. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and many others in the White House.
Conservative Christian journalist David Brody has written an excellent article on this subject.
Take away: When crossing a swamp---including your personal swamp-- surround yourself with capable, trustworthy, godly people. Don't try to go it alone. God will bring people into your life to stand with you, pray with you, believe with you and help you.
One of many examples of this is found in Exodus 17:2; "When Moses' hands grew heavy, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Then Aaron and Hur held his hands up, one on each side, so that his hands remained steady until the sun went down."
Conquering the Swap
Day before yesterday, President Trump met with inner-city pastors and leaders to discuss prison reform.
The president's opening comment was: "Throughout our history, America's churches and religious leaders have called for change and have inspired us to care and bring hope back to those in need."
Dr. Alveda King, along with a number of other pastors and leaders, joined the president for this working meeting.
After a few remarks about the importance of the Christian faith, the president asked Pastor John Gray to lead them in prayer. He prayed for those whom the meeting was called to help, and he prayed for the president and his family..."In Jesus name."
Vice President Pence says there is continual prayer in the White House---happens all the time. Every day.
Take Away: It is written in I John, "Greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world." God is not contending with the enemy for superiority. The enemy is conquered. The battle is won.
We should focus less attention on our "swamp" and more attention on the path that leads beyond the "swamp."
David wrote, "Show me the right path, O Lord; point out the road for me to follow. Lead me by your truth and teach me, for you are the God who saves me. All day long I put my hope in you" (Ps. 25:4,5).
Personal swamps can be daunting. You may not be called to conquer armies or DC type swamps, but all of us have our personal swamps to conquer.
What God told Joshua, He is telling us all:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Be not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9).
And Isaiah (43) wrote, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown."
The swamp is already conquered. Do not be afraid. Or discouraged. Pray and believe. And follow Him
Be Hopeful. Be Strong. Be Courageous. Be Prayerful.