Don’t Let the Elections Depress You

It’s creeping closer. We’re in the last days. Rush Limbaugh is throwing his last few handfuls of mud at the President, and other media outlets are throwing theirs at Governor Romney all in hopes of swaying the elections enough at the last minute.

Anxiety is high as people are worrying about the result of these elections. We are less than a week away from the Presidential elections, and despite the concerns of Hurricane Sandy in the east, the elections will likely be held on the 6^th as is tradition.

Throughout the nation, wherever one goes, they would not be far from a discussion about this election. I hear debates, and partake in them, fairly regularly, and there are some common themes that I hear in these conversations and would like to address for the consideration of Christians.

First, remember that our God is sovereign! This is tremendously important. Not even a hair can fall out of our heads without the will of our Father in Heaven. If He considers our hair and when it should fall, then He certainly considers the leaders of nations. Whether President Obama or Governor Romney is elected, it is the will of the Father and so we can take comfort in that. Furthermore, all things work together for the glory of God. Whoever is elected, it will be ordained, it has a purpose, and again we can take comfort in that. However this election results, we can praise God for His will and sovereignty, and then take the opportunities that He provides to be lights in the world.

Secondly, our hope is not invested in this place or these people. Whoever is elected president, it has no bearing on salvation. Our hope, our value, our life is found in the Trinity. Do not be let down when your candidate is not elected. God can see much farther than we can, and this is just another reason why we hope in Him, why we have faith in Him.

Thirdly, we are pilgrims in this land. This is not our home; we are just shadows that are passing. But don’t misunderstand me. This does not mean that this world is unimportant; it simply means that we cannot tie our identity to this world. We are called to settle into the land for a little while and “work for the peace of Babylon” (Jeremiah 29:7). The New Testament church is the new Israel and Christians are in exile in this world. But like Israel in Babylon, we need to work for peace of the city in which we are exiled; we need to work for “shalom.” Our actions are important. We are called to be active in this world, active as lights, and so we work for peace. Whether we agree with our leaders or not, we need to pray for them, and continue to work for peace in this world. Work for the glory of God and find your identity and hope in him, not a political party.

By all means, vote, or don’t vote, for the candidate that you feel is best fit to lead this nation. Be active in politics, or don’t be, as you see necessary. But do not lose hope because of politics. Do not found your life in politics or anything else besides God. Have faith in God, and trust that He will work what is necessary and best, and continue in your mandate.