Finding Biblical Perspective in These Politically Confusing Days

It’s hard to believe that Election Day was already two weeks ago. It’s been a confusing and challenging season for everyone, and it may continue to be for some time yet.

So how should Christians respond to this past election?

During times of difficulty and confusion, Christians who trust in the Lord can find needed perspective through the unchanging truths of God’s Word. These three are particularly pertinent right now:

During times of difficulty and confusion, Christians who trust in the Lord can find needed perspective through the unchanging truths of God’s Word. Share on X

1. God is still sovereign.

And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:—Daniel 2:21

Throughout history, earthly rulers come and go—some through elections, some through violet takeovers, some through trickery—but God remains on His throne. He removes some and sets others up.

Consider Daniel who first spoke the words of Daniel 2:21 in praise to God (for revealing Nebuchadnezzar’s dream to him). Surely from Daniel’s vantage point, seeing Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, conquered and the people, including Daniel, being taken captive by Nebuchadnezzar wasn’t what he would have wanted or prayed for. If he could have voted on the matter, you can be sure he wouldn’t have elected Nebuchadnezzar—a pagan and brutal king.

Yet, Daniel chose to trust God’s sovereignty behind the unfolding political events that impacted Daniel. In the upcoming years, Daniel would serve under seven more kings. And under the reign of each, Daniel believed his ultimate allegiance was to God. As the servant of God, Daniel prayed diligently and fervently while still resting in God’s sovereignty through the unfolding events of history.

I believe strongly that American Christians should vote in political elections and that they should vote for biblical values. But the voting is behind us now, and we must have faith in God that He is able to do what is best and that He can continue His work through any political ruler He chooses.

2. The Bible commands us to pray for our leaders.

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.—1 Timothy 2:1–2

Paul penned these words of instruction to Timothy when Nero ruled with an iron fist and violent persecution of Christians. I’m sure that given the chance, Paul would have voted for a different ruler than Nero. But that didn’t stop him from praying for the ruler God allowed.

Regardless of who our next president is, I will pray for him daily—as I have done for the past six presidents. I would encourage you to do the same.

3. Our mission hasn’t changed.

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.—Mark 16:15

Two thousand years ago, Jesus gave us a mission that has nothing to do with who wins the 2020 presidential election. He told us to go into all the world with the gospel.

This mission hasn’t changed, and its success is not dependent on who is in the White House—or any other seat of authority. The success of this mission is entirely dependent upon the work of the Holy Spirit and the obedience of Christians. Even when earthly rulers physically persecute God’s people and try to thwart the work of God, they cannot. As Paul said, “I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9).

I don’t know who will be inaugurated on January 20, but I already know what I plan to do on January 21—remember that God is still in control, pray for my president, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with someone who does not yet know Him.