Happy 2022 everyone! I hope you all had as great a holiday season as I did; thankfully, I had the privilege of attending the Williamsburg Conference again after it was canceled in 2020. My notes from the Conference are here, and the exhortation I gave on the final day, is available here.
After the Conference ended on the afternoon of December 31, instead of heading home to Richmond, I went to Virginia Beach for some time to unwind and reflect on what had been a year so full of ups and downs that I lost count. It was a great way to finish off 2021, sitting by the ocean and getting some free Vitamin Sea. I got back to Richmond around 9 PM that night—just a few hours until the New Year—and sat down to write some New Year’s Resolutions/Goals—29 to be exact—I was so excited for 2022. Unfortunately though, after January 1, I very quickly forgot about the “resolutions” I had made, and here we are two weeks into the New Year, and I’ve hardly accomplished anything. Interestingly enough, starting a blog was NOT on my list of resolutions/goals, but it is now #30; I was inspired to restart my blog recently when I read a wonderful blog post by someone who I have never even met.
Today around 12:30, Glenn Youngkin put his hand on the Bible and took the oath of office to become the 74th Governor of Virginia. He was elected in somewhat of an upset victory back in November, along with Winsome Sears and Jason Miyares, the Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General, respectively.
The LORD changes the times and seasons, and sets up kings (and Presidents and Governors) and removes them (Daniel 2:21). Today was the start of a new time and season in Virginia; the pendulum has swung the other way after being controlled by one party for the previous eight years. I hope you all will join me in praying for the new Governor, that the LORD will help him will do what is right in His sight, and that they will all come to a knowledge of the truth and be saved (1 Timothy 2:1-4): when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice (Proverbs 29:2). Therefore “pray FOR your leaders; don’t prey ON them;” their job is difficult enough. Remember that every Governor/President is a very imperfect human being who is the imperfect leader of a very imperfect state/country. My Bible tells me to curse not the king, not even in my thought (Ecclesiastes 10:20). Our outgoing Governor Ralph Northam did not start any of the problems that plague this state, nor did Donald Trump or Joe Biden start any of the problems that plague this country; WE did, because we’re human beings. Governor Youngkin may be a wonderful Governor—and I hope he will be—but he isn’t going to cause all the problems to go away, neither is President Biden, nor any human leader. Only Jesus can, and he will one day very soon. The wind and waves are roaring, but the King of Kings and Lord of Lords is almost here, who will bring peace and truth and righteousness to this sick and sinful and troubled world; worthy is the Lamb that was slain and hath redeemed us to God by his blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor and glory and blessing (Revelation 5:12).
The LORD told Solomon that if his people will humble themselves, and pray, and seek the LORD’s face, and turn from their wicked ways, he will hear from heaven and will forgive and heal (2 Chronicles 7:14). This is a promise—not for America—but for all who will listen.
Side note: at the end of the Inauguration ceremony, the new Governor gave a prayer for his administration and for all of Virginia; it was amazing, and refreshing to see a leader who makes it a priority to seek the LORD’s help before beginning the journey ahead of him. Let that be a lesson for all of us.
I hope to post on here often as I begin to phase out Facebook (which is a real shame; Facebook just isn’t what it used to be), and I’d love to hear your thoughts as well.
Grace and peace, and love in Jesus, who makes all things new-
-Dan
Dan Gaitanis 