Today is Election Day, a day in which we have the opportunity and responsibility to vote. Voting is a great privilege and gives us a chance to have a say in how things take place in our country. We have been through some turbulent times as a society these past few years, from a global pandemic to civil unrest to financial uncertainty. And today we can vote to show how we best think our country can move forward. However, we need to be careful that we do not begin to place our trust in man rather than in God.
While most of us would state that we are trusting in God rather than in man, we do not always live that out. I catch myself thinking at different times that if certain people get elected to certain enquiriess then things may go back to being normal, or that if this or this happens in the election then I can rest easy. Yet this could not be further from the truth. As we vote today, here are some things we should keep in mind:
God is in Control: “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it wherever He will.” Proverbs 21:1 God is ultimately in control. Now matter how uncertain things seem, we can trust in Him. This does not mean things will be easy or comfortable, but we know that He works all things together (easy and hard) for our ultimate good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
The Lord is our Refuge: It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” Psalms 118:8-9 Too often we take refuge and comfort in earthly relationships and rulers. While we should find comfort and encouragement in our friends and family, we need to seek our refuge and security in the Lord. People will fail us and we will fail other people. If we look for earthly leaders to provide our security and to be our refuge, we will be disappointed.
We need to pray for our Leaders: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” 1 Timothy 2:1,2 It is hard to pray for leaders who go contrary to God’s will. However, that is what we are commanded to do. This does not mean we should agree with or support ungodly decisions. But, instead of complaining about them, we should invest that time in praying for them and for our country.
Heaven is our Home: Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14.1-3 We are not living for this world, but for the next. May we keep our sights set on what is eternal.
Let these biblical truths encourage and strengthen you today no matter the results of today’s elections.