Let's Go Back to the Bible

Before the Election (Part 1)

There is a lot of debate about what should be happening right now. People are talking about how we should vote. Many in our nation, on both sides, are planning violent actions if the vote doesn’t go the way they think it should. With all of the heightened emotions and stress there are some things that we should remember. We are blessed by the country we live in, no matter your opinion of current events. It isn’t perfect, but it could be worse. Throughout time and even in the present there are worse places to be living.  Before the election, we need to remember that God is ultimately in control.

Daniel wrote, “It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men And knowledge to men of understanding” (Dan. 2:21). Daniel would’ve had reason to be upset with the state of his political climate. Another that might have had reason to be concerned about politics was Paul. He wrote, “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Rom. 13:1). Jesus has been given authority (Matt. 28:18). He is head over all things (Eph. 1:20-22; 1 Pet. 3:22). He is King of kings and Lord of lords (1 Tim. 6:15). He is ruler over the kings of the earth (Rev. 1:5).

The question now becomes, do we trust God and His sovereignty? No matter who wins on election day, will you be able to stand with confidence and say in your heart, “I trust God and know that He is in control”? If we can’t do that without reservation, then we have lost perspective.

How many times did you plan something and it not work out the way you planned it? How many times did it work out better than how you planned it? Do we still believe “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God” (Rom. 8:28)? Do we remember that if God is for us, who can stand against us (Rom. 8:31-34)?  Have we forgotten that nothing will separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35-39)? No matter what rulers may do, for good or ill, we are in God’s hands! Why would we fret and worry about something which we have very little control over?

What do we do? Cast your vote. That is your civic duty. However, something more powerful than voting is praying. It may or may not turn out the way we want it. Who are we to tell God how things should go? Daniel and Paul both had reason to be upset and out of sorts due to the politics, but that is not what we see. We see individuals deeply trusting in the sovereignty of God. Before the election I will commit to trust in God no matter what happens. I will pray and, so far as it depends on me, I will live at peace with all men (Rom. 12:18).