Article originally posted at The Gospel Coalition in 2016. I share this article again in 2020 to help us set our hope in God during the current election season.
I’ve been both places, high-fiving likeminded strangers after my candidate won, or sitting with my head in my hands in hopeless despair.
It seems every election is heralded as the most important in the history of our nation. This fact, combined with scary prospects on the ballot, used to tempt me to fret over the latest poll data, the hot air emanating from political pundits, or the fear-mongering tactics of politicians and the media.
I thought there were only two options: go “all in” by hanging my hopes on the election’s outcome, or back away completely, hoping to resist the emotional pull that could drag me into the abyss of despair or lead me to hope in someone other than Christ.
This time, I’m taking a different approach. I want this election cycle to move my heart to worship. I see four main ways to do this:
The election season is just another opportunity to battle the world, the flesh, and the devil that entice us to believe lies and worship idols. Misplaced trust will lead to disappointment sooner or later, but “he who believes in [Christ] will not be disappointed” (1 Pet. 2:6). We must examine our hearts and pinpoint the sin that takes us captive with extreme election-related emotions. Here are some sins you may need to confess:
We fear man when our God is small. We fear God when we see him as he truly is in his majesty, holiness, wisdom, and sovereignty. Turning our eyes on Jesus will do what the hymn promises: it will make the things of earth—including the über-important election—grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.
So revel in the majesty of God by meditating on these truths:
The apostle Paul writes, “Be submissive to rulers and authorities, be obedient, be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1). The motivation to obey those words may surprise you:
For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us. (Titus 3:3–5)
The gospel is our chief reason to submit to authorities and to be ready for every good work. As believers, we must be a lights in a dark world who positively advocate for policies that promote human flourishing, biblical justice, and the sanctity of life for image bearers of God.
Some actions you may consider:
Prayer and thanksgiving are our God-given remedies against anxiety (Phil. 4:6–7). Taken with the fact it pleases God to pray for those in authority (1 Tim. 2:1–3), we must be people of prayer in order to honor Jesus and avoid election-driven fear.
Consider focusing your prayers on yourself, the church, certain leaders, and the country.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your sovereign rule and care over the entire universe, the earth, and this election. Keep us from worrying like so many in the world. Set our hope and our affections foremost on you and your kingdom. Spur us toward faithful action as citizens of both heaven and earth. Help us to trust you at all times—especially when it’s hard. And through this election, bring about your will for us, our country, and your kingdom for your glory.
In Jesus’s name. Amen.
You may also enjoy: 20 Signs You’ve Made Politics an Idol
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