Sure Cure for P.E.B.
by Charles R. Swindoll
There's a new virus going around. It's called P.E.B.—Post Election Blues. The symptoms? Oh, stuff like moping around, whining, and feeling a mixture of self-pity, resentment, and smoldering anger, and even entertaining thoughts of moving to Tahiti or Australia because your candidate didn't win.
Well, I've got news for you. That won't help. The best antibiotic is to buck up, stand firmer than ever on the solid rock of God's sovereignty, and face the future with renewed confidence—no matter who's in office. Nothing that happens in this old world—even in the election booth—surprises or frustrates our Lord. These words are still in the Book: "For not from the east, nor from the west, nor from the desert comes exaltation; but God is the Judge; He puts down one, and exalts another" (Ps. 75:6-7).
Somehow those words are easier to read when my candidates get elected; they stick in my throat when the other folks get in! Ever noticed that?
And then I happen across Solomon's proverb: "The king's heart is like channels of water in the hand of the LORD; He turns it wherever He wishes" (Prov. 21:1).
Remember Daniel? He lived victoriously through strong and weak national leaders, yet he didn't hesitate to declare that "Heaven rules" and that it is the living God who "changes the times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them" (Dan. 2:21; 4:26, NIV).
So, then, I suggest we start thinking theologically and acting responsibly. Both are hard, hard work. That's right! Recovering from a bad case of P.E.B. requires beinghardy.
The man or woman who is hardy can withstand adverse conditions, is firm in purpose, and has a vigorous outlook on life. We might say that many missionaries and most mountain climbers are hardy folks. The hardy person remains productive under difficult situations, all the while maintaining emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
It should be remembered, however, that hardiness is not an inherent attitude, temperament, or gift. It is a quality that must be consciously developed.
And it's the best treatment for the P.E.B. virus—and a number of others!
Measure your own "hardy" quotient. Do you measure up?
Excerpted from Day by Day with Charles Swindoll, Copyright © 2000 by Charles R. Swindoll, Inc. (Thomas Nelson Publishers). All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.