“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are His. He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them.”
Daniel 2:20-21
This has a been a hard election. There has been such a divide in the country. Angry words have flown back and forth. Americans on both sides, passionate about their beliefs have fought hard. If you’re like me, no matter what the outcome is, you’re probably relieved that it’s almost over! I’m so glad that I don’t have to worry. I don’t have to fear. God is not anxious. He is not worried. He is “working all things together for good.”
I just spoke with a young woman yesterday and she shared with me how sickened she was by both candidates. She also expressed that she just simply was not going to vote. Although I agree that the dirty details and scandalous secrets of both parties are enough to cause anyone, myself included, to feel thoroughly hopeless, I’ve had to remind myself of what we as Christians have as the anchor of our faith. God is Sovereign and He is on His throne!
God lifts up rulers and removes rulers. Our hope is not in the next president, but our hope is in God, the maker of Heaven and Earth! He is not only our hope, but our peace as we see kings and kingdoms, men and movements in offices of authority.
I encourage you to take a one-day break from your normal pattern of devotions to think on these things.
Scripture texts to read and meditate on:
Proverbs 14:34 (What are some of the blessings of righteous leaders and the curses of the ungodly?)
Proverbs 21:1 (How far does God’s sovereignty reign?)
Psalm 33 (What does God love? Think about verses 10-11 and how it applies to the election. Does anything escape God’s notice? Why is God trustworthy?)
Psalm 47 (What are the implications of the fact that the Lord is King?)
Romans 13:1-7 (What is the role of government and who does it serve? What is our role as believers?)
1 Peter 2:13-17 (What is a significant part of our Christian witness in this world? What is to be our relationship to government leaders? Remember that the ungodly Nero was in power when Peter wrote these words.)
So what are we as Christians to do?
We need to vote! Voting, like every other aspect of our Christian lives should be submitted under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We should ask Him, “Lord, how would You have me vote?”
Not on the economy.
Not on the programs.
Not on speeches.
Lord, how would YOU have ME vote?
And, we NEED to pray!
Pray for the current President.
Pray for the next President.
Pray for the Congress.
Pray for the Supreme Court.
Pray for State Representatives.
Pray for local Representatives.
Pray that God would lead them and guide them and pour out HIS wisdom on them.
Pray NOT that God would elect who WE want, but that WE would elect who God wants. Pray that we would be sensitive the leading of the Holy Spirit when we make the choice. Pray that God’s will be done in this United States of America.
You keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock. Is 26:3-4
Thank you Laurie, that was a beautiful devotional and so imperative for these times. This was the first statement I have read regarding the election that I agree with 100%! We have already voted, and my husband and I did pray earnestly and lift it up to the Lord for our selection. The long-term effects of the election will affect our children and our grandchildren – that is why this is an imperative vote.
Have a blessed week!
Mary Beth Brantley