No matter which political side you lean towards, we can all agree that our world feels chaotic. As the upcoming presidential election approaches, it seems many are filled with apprehension, bracing for heated debates, negative ads, and the inevitable flood of social media posts. The question looms: What will the next few months bring, and how will we navigate the outcome?
Our Ultimate Hope: This World is Not Our Home
It’s easy to find comfort—or anxiety—based on who holds office. But as Christians, we have a deeper peace. Praise God that this world is not our final destination. We are merely passing through. Our ultimate hope is in Christ, who will return to establish a new heaven and earth where He reigns as King.
Romans 13:1 reminds us of God’s sovereignty over all authority: “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.” Even Jesus, in His exchange with Pontius Pilate, declared, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11).
Every person in office is there because God has placed them in that position. Even those whom I feel aren’t following in obedience to God’s commands.
My hope is in the Lord, not elected officials, political parties, and laws. If I find peace based on who is or isn’t holding office, my hope is in the wrong place. God is my peace, not those making decisions on the city, state, and federal level.
Resisting the Temptation to Withdraw
It’s tempting to want to “check out” from the chaos of our world and focus solely on the future promises of heaven. But as I reflect on Jeremiah 29, I’m reminded that God has a purpose for us in the here and now.
Jeremiah 29:7 states, “Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
Despite Babylon being a city of idols and ungodly behavior, God called the Israelites to pray for the city and contribute to its prosperity. In the same way, we are called to be active participants in our world, pointing others to the hope of Jesus while praying for our country and its leaders. It’s not a time to retreat; it’s a time to engage with purpose.
A Call to Prayer
As Christians, one of our greatest privileges is prayer. The often-quoted verse 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” While these words were originally spoken to Solomon for Israel, their call to humility, repentance, and salvation resounds for us today as well.
We need to pray over the upcoming election, for our elected officials, and for God’s direction. To help guide this vital time of prayer, I’ve created three free printables. Use them during your daily quiet time, in family devos, before meal prayer, or even in adult Bible study.
Prayer Points for the Election:
- Godly wisdom and discernment for voters
- Voter turnout of those who have sought the Lord’s guidance
- Honest and fair election processes
- Protection against the enemy’s schemes during voting
- Safety at polling places
- Lies exposed, truth revealed
- Accurate counting of every vote
- Christians shining as beacons of hope, humility, and light
Click to gain access to all three of the Free Election Prayer Guides.
No matter the results, we stand in confidence. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. We don’t have to live in fear, for we know who ultimately holds the victory.
