A Reflection on the Inauguration of President Donald Trump

A Reflection on the Inauguration of President Donald Trump

Today, as I sat in my usual spot with my laptop open and my coffee growing cold, I found myself reflecting on the weight of the moment our nation just witnessed: the inauguration of President Donald J. Trump. I’ll be honest—regardless of where you land politically, moments like these stir something deep in me. There’s a gravity to watching the peaceful transfer of power that reminds me of just how blessed we are to live in a country where such things happen without tanks rolling through the streets.

Now, I’m not here to make this post political. I’m here to remind us of something bigger, something eternal that anchors us when the winds of politics inevitably shift. Watching today’s events unfold, I couldn’t help but think of Daniel 2:21: “He changes times and seasons; He removes kings and sets up kings.” That verse has been a steadying truth for me over the years. Whether you were cheering or groaning during today’s ceremonies, here’s the good news: God is sovereign, and His hand is steady on the wheel.

A Moment for Gratitude

As I watched the swearing-in, a wave of gratitude washed over me—not just for our system of government, but for the people who commit to serving in positions of leadership. Can we pause for a moment and recognize how monumental that is? Agree with President Trump’s policies or not, the man has willingly stepped into one of the most thankless, grueling, and scrutinized jobs in the world. My dad used to say, “You don’t have to like someone to pray for them.” And let me tell you, he was right.

The Bible is crystal clear on this. First Timothy 2:1-2 calls us to pray “for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life.” If we’re going to be the kind of people who take Scripture seriously, then that means praying for President Trump—not just today but regularly. And if we’re feeling especially bold, we might even ask God to give him wisdom and humility.

Hope in a Divided World

One thing that struck me during the festivities was the sheer variety of people present—different faces, stories, opinions, and backgrounds. It reminded me of what we see every Sunday morning at West End Church. We’re not all the same. We’ve got farmers, teachers, small business owners, and truck drivers sitting side by side, singing the same songs and hearing the same Word of God. If our little church family can model unity in diversity, then surely there’s hope for our country to do the same.

I think that’s the challenge for all of us right now: to bring the light of Christ into conversations that feel dark and divisive. If we wait for Washington to fix the world, we’ll be waiting until Jesus comes back. But if we, the Church, live out the Gospel in real and practical ways—showing love to our neighbors, speaking truth with grace, and forgiving as we’ve been forgiven—well, that’s where the real change starts.

A Little Self-Reflection

Now, I’ll admit something. Watching the ceremony today, I found myself getting a little teary-eyed, especially when Carrie Underwood sang "America the Beautiful" a capella because her track wouldn't play. I know, I know—some of you are laughing right now, thinking, Chris, you’re such a sap. Guilty as charged. But there’s something about moments like this that remind me of the bigger story we’re all a part of. Yes, we’ve got a new president, but our ultimate hope isn’t in the Oval Office. It’s in the King of kings, whose reign is eternal and whose promises never fail.

If you’re feeling anxious or uncertain about what the next four years will bring, let me encourage you to lean into that hope. As followers of Jesus, we’ve been given a front-row seat to the most incredible story of all time—the story of redemption, reconciliation, and renewal. And no matter who sits in the White House, that story is still unfolding.

Moving Forward Together

So, here’s my challenge to myself—and to you. Let’s be people who pray boldly, love deeply, and serve faithfully in the days ahead. Let’s be slow to speak and quick to listen. Let’s look for opportunities to build bridges instead of walls. And let’s remember that the Gospel is good news for everyone, whether they’re wearing a red MAGA hat, a blue campaign button, or none of the above.

As for me, I’ll be spending the rest of the evening doing what I always do on days like this: eating a good dinner (fried chicken anyone?) with my family and thanking God that He’s the One ultimately in charge. After all, my cholesterol may be questionable, but His plans? They’re perfect.

Here’s to the next chapter, friends. Let’s walk it out together.