Today, millions of Americans will exercise their civic duty and vote for the next President of the United States. As has been said repeatedly throughout the last months, this election may be the most important election of this generation. The result of this day’s election will impact not only our country, but the world.
Election Day brings with it many emotions. Legitimate concerns press upon us from all sides. We feel the pressure of history, patriotism, and moral obligations. These are not light considerations.
The state of the Union is in a precarious position, but the state of my heart is secure in Christ. I can honestly say that above the concern of what may come, the following five conditions describe my spirit as I prepare to cast my vote.
Grateful
Today I am grateful. Not only am I a citizen of the great country of America, but I am eligible to vote. This is a freedom earned by many brave, vocal, passionate women that have come before me. By casting my vote today I acknowledge their dedication to freedom and equality for all—and I thank them.
Prayerful
I was convicted this weekend by the fact that I have only prayed according to my personal concerns, and not for all the candidates as potential leaders of our country. Forgive me Lord!
I now ask the Lord for the salvation, wisdom, and discernment for every presidential hopeful regardless of the election results. And tomorrow, regardless of the results, I will continue to pray for the President Elect knowing that by respecting the office, I show deference and respect to my God who moved among the corridors of time to bring about this moment in our nation’s history.
Surrendered
It is not lost on me that many of my friends and family, neighbors and churchgoers will be disappointed tomorrow regardless of the results of today’s voting process. Every person has a unique view on the issues due to our unique worldviews. This should not be cause for divisiveness, but for mutual respect and love, knowing that our God is for us all, and He is in control.
I think of Jesus giving to Caesar that which was due him and Paul encouraging Christians to pray for government leaders during times when Christians were being beheaded, burned alive, and tortured for sport under Roman rule. Regardless of who becomes our next President, my responsibility is to honor those in positions of authority as I honor Christ. I surrender my heart and bow my knee to the King of kings. I trust Him to raise up the leader that He desires in order to bring about His kingdom on this earth according to the Scriptures.
Satisfied
It seems an odd descriptor, but during these tumultuous days, my heart is satisfied. Proverbs 19:23 states,
The fear of the Lord leads to life, and whoever has it rests satisfied; he will not be visited by harm.
I can think of dozens of ways that my freedoms and even my person can be harmed by the results of this election. The religious and personal liberties I have enjoyed are being threatened. So how can I be satisfied? Because my hope is in the Lord.
You can strip me of my rights. You can imprison me or beat me and it will be no surprise to the God who holds me in His hand. My days on this earth are numbered. When my time comes, I will be in the presence of God for eternity. No one can take that away from me. And it turns out, He’s all I really need.
Hopeful
I hope that the results of this election are positive. It is my prayer that the candidates meet Jesus as Paul did and radically change in submission to God. I hope that America continues to be a beacon of liberty to the world. I hope that the church rises up and makes a difference in their communities turning hearts back to God. My hopes are high. I
pray toward these ends. But above all, my hope is in Christ.
The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. – Proverbs 21:1
Yes, this election is important. This Election Day will likely be one of the most significant days in this countries history. The well-being of our nation will be impacted in significant ways. But the state of my heart is secure in the One who raises up one king and takes down another. I have nothing to fear.