Hope in a Grim Election Year
This morning my Facebook feed blew up with grief and anxiety that the choices we’ll face in the November election seem to be reduced to two people with little or no regard for the Constitution, no concern for anything other than personal power, and very questionable character.
It’s pretty easy to feel despair today, but should that be our attitude as Christians? This is hardly the first time the church has lived under a hostile government. After all, the church first spread across the world under maniacs like Caligula and Nero. That’s not exactly what we want for our children, though.
My friend Laura posted a few verses that reminded me that we need to remember who’s in charge here.
” …..For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” Romans 13:1
“Jesus answered him, “You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above…..” John 19:11
“For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:17-18
” The LORD has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 103:19
” Only I can tell you the future
before it even happens.
Everything I plan will come to pass,
for I do whatever I wish.” Isaiah 46:10
Our friends Fletch and Kendra of Homeschooling in Real Life often talk about the danger of hope-shifting – putting our trust in something other than Jesus Christ.
Our hope is not in good candidates. Our hope is not in the Constitution. Our hope is not in any political party.
God is still sovereign. He still loves His people. He has purpose even in trials that affect whole nations.
Our hope is in Jesus Christ.
With that in mind, what are we to do? Where do we go from here? We’re not sure what to tell you about voting, but we are sure about this: Our fate is in the hands of the sovereign God. The best thing we can do is pray.
Worried about the country? Pray.
Hear someone talking about Clinton and Trump? Pray.
See a campaign sign? Pray.
See political ads online? Pray.
Teaching your children about the Constitution? Pray.
“…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 will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14
That’s our hope. Our hope is in God. Really, that’s all the hope we need, isn’t it?
Your friends,
Hal & Melanie
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