Contributor:
Chad Roberts
While there is a great deal at stake, there is one thing I can promise you that is not in jeopardy. That is God’s absolute sovereign control over the nations of the earth…including America. If you think God is on the edge of His throne wondering who the American people choose as President then you do not know your Bible very well.
Be Anxious For Nothing…Including Elections
Does Philippians 4:6-7 apply to Election Day? I think it does. Read what Paul wrote, “ Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” If I am going to apply that verse to my daily life, then I’m certainly going to apply it to November 8th.
So if I am going to think, feel and respond Biblically to this election, what am I going to do? First, I am not going to be anxious. The Greek word for anxiety literally means to strangle. I’m not going to strangle the joy, peace and happiness from my life because of Washington politics and the griping we see going on through the news and social media.
Even though I feel strongly about certain issues, what I’m really going to do is take those issues to the Lord. I’m going to pray for my country. I’m going to pray for our elected leaders. I’m going to pray for the Church of America to awaken and lead the conversations around abortion, immigration, terrorism, debt, homosexuality and transgender issues. I’m not going to be a keyboard warrior spouting off on social media who adds to the darkness and division. I’m going to pray in a way that I petition the Lord and I’m going to pray with thanksgiving.
I think this is where we are missing it as America Christians. There is so much that is broken in Washington. There is so much corruption, so much division that is it is difficult to not get swept away in the currents of negativity. While there is much I dislike and much I want to see changed, I am still THANKFUL for America. I am thankful for my right to vote. I am thankful for the balance of power we have, the constitution, the laws we have and the religious freedom we enjoy. Are you praying for our country with thanksgiving, or are you feeding the darkness with criticism?
What is the result of walking away from anxiety, and replacing that worry with effective praying? The result is that the peace of God will guard our heats and minds through Christ Jesus. I can tell you, I when I find out who wins the Presidency tonight, I will need the peace of God in my heart. Why? Because no one has the answers to the mess we are in. No one can fix this broken society. Only the light of the Gospel can bring light to this darkened culture. Is your hope in the White House or is your hope in the sovereignty and grace of God?
You May Not Believe in God’s Sovereignty
The picture the Bible paints of God’s sovereignty is quite different from our view as Americans. While I am thankful for our democracy, and while I exercise my right, privilege and responsibility to vote, I do not believe the future of this country hangs on my vote or your vote. I do not believe that God is anxiously awaiting the poll results. Why do I not believe this. Here are few biblical reasons why…
Isaiah 46:10, “Declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” Do you really believe this verse? Do you believe God’s counsel will stand on the morning of November 9th when we wake up to the news of a new President? Will His purposes be accomplished through a Trump Presidency or a Clinton Presidency? You bet they will.
Read Psalm 22:28 carefully, “For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” Do you believe this? Royalty or Kingship or the Presidency belongs to the Lord, not the ballot box. Should you vote…Yes! Should you be anxious over the outcome? No! Why? Because these matters belong to the Lord and are in His hands. “…And he rules over the nations”, that includes the United States of America.
Consider Proverbs 21:1, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” Again, we could say the President’s heart is in the hand of the Lord. What is the point? Whoever occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue over the next four years us under the Sovereignty of God. He can turn their hearts as He pleases. Did He not harden the heart of Pharaoh in Exodus 15? The Lord is Sovereign.
Should Christians Be Passive About This Election?
I do not think Christians should be passive…or even private about politics. But I do believe we should be prayerful. It is how we pray that makes the difference? Are you looking and resting in God’s sovereignty today? Are you petitioning the Lord for the future of our nation with a heart that is thankful? If so, then it will be the peace of God that rules our hearts tomorrow morning, November 9th.
May God bless the United States. May He bless our new President. May He bless His Church and awaken us to do what Washington DC policies and politics can never do…and that is transform lives out of the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of His marvelous light.
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