This week’s devotions are based on Week 4 of Stormproof – Election Earthquakes (CLICK HERE)
We are just a few days from the presidential election. We have heard much rhetoric, listened to debates, watched the news and followed the polls. At the end of the process, one of the candidates will be our next president and one will not.
So if your preferred candidate wins or loses, how do we as Christians want to respond?
It would be easy to have a strong despair if your candidate loses or a strong cockiness if your candidate wins. The thing to do is avoid either of these ditches – the ditch of gloating and the ditch of despair.
Every American owes the newly elected president his or her honor and respect as the Apostle Paul encouraged in Romans 13:1. You may not agree with the policies, or like the personality, but we honor God by honoring the authority he has allowed to be over us.
The promises of God are still real and bear keeping in mind as we realize while the president of the US has consequence in our earthly existence, the president has no bearing on our eternal status.
I saw this list on Facebook and found it sharing helpful reminders:
- God will still be on his throne.
- Jesus will still be King of kings and Lord of lords.
- The Bible will still have all the answers to every problem.
- The tomb will still be empty.
- Jesus will still be the only way to heaven.
- Prayer will still work – it will still make a difference and God will still answer prayer.
- The cross, not the government, will still be our salvation.
- There will still be room at the cross.
- Jesus will still save anyone who places their faith and trust in him.
- God will still be with us always – He will never leave us or forsake us.
Elections can bring out the best and the worst in us. They challenge us with a level of anxiety over the policies we hope will be implemented or ones we don’t want to find codified. They can lead to division in relationships over strong feelings one way or the other. Elections don’t often bring the best out in people.
So, as a Christian, remember the constant of the God who loves you and is the one who allows or doesn’t allow an individual to be president. He answers to no one, but ensures his children are blessed.
What does that mean for us? First, get involved and cast your vote. Second, direct any fear or anxiety to the Lord. Third, do as Jesus encouraged in Matthew 5:14ff:
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.
Apply: Prepare your heart and mind now, with the guidance of God’ Spirit to not be anxious about the election and know that the constant of the Lord will overcome the ever changing patterns of the world.
Prayer: Lord, as the election comes closer, remind us that you are King of kings and Lord of lords. We treasure that you guide all things for the blessing of your people, the Church. AMEN.