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What the Bible Says about This Election (and Every Other One)

I’ve been voting for about 30 years, and I have never, ever seen an election cycle in the United States as crazy as this one.

That said, I also hold a history degree, so I know that all of our talk about things never having been so contentious doesn’t hold up to what I’ve studied. For instance, you really can’t get more contentious than one region of the country shooting at the other and vice versa (American Civil War, 1861-65).

What the Bible Says about This Election graphic

I’ve noted on this blog that an election can cause stress in marriages. Despite their love for one another, spouses don’t always see eye-to-eye when it comes to voting. If you want proof, take a look at the maps from FiveThirtyEight.com that show the difference between if only men voted and if only women voted. I have to believe that contrast means plenty of couples disagree this year.

But as Election Day approaches (next Tuesday here in the U.S.), let me offer a biblical perspective. Vote for whomever you want — honor your conscience — but remember God’s focus is not on who runs the country but who reigns in your life.

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Psalm 146 says:

Praise the Lord.

Praise the Lord, my soul.

I will praise the Lord all my life;
    I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
Do not put your trust in princes,
    in human beings, who cannot save.
When their spirit departs, they return to the ground;
    on that very day their plans come to nothing.
Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord their God.

He is the Maker of heaven and earth,
    the sea, and everything in them—
    he remains faithful forever.
He upholds the cause of the oppressed
    and gives food to the hungry.
The Lord sets prisoners free,
    the Lord gives sight to the blind,
the Lord lifts up those who are bowed down,
    the Lord loves the righteous.
The Lord watches over the foreigner
    and sustains the fatherless and the widow,
    but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.

The Lord reigns forever,
    your God, O Zion, for all generations.

Praise the Lord.

Pulling out those two highlighted verses, we get to the crux of the matter: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

That’s something God wants us to know about this election and every other one. Humans will fail us, God will not.

You can see this throughout the Bible with its kings — Saul, David, Solomon. Yes, we want great leaders, but God is ultimately concerned with being on the throne in our hearts.

And in our marriages.

That same passage applies to our marriages: “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God.”

  • Your husband, a human being, isn’t responsible for making your life good or happy. Trust God to bring you meaning and joy.
  • When your spouse fails you, and they will, recognize they’re flawed, give grace, and put your faith in God to restore what was broken.
  • When it comes to the marriage bed, don’t look for answers among those who focus only on the human flesh, the physical side of sex. Seek out wisdom that starts with God’s design for intimacy in marriage — those who know that help and hope come from Him.
  • And remember that no matter what great advice I give, I can’t save your marriage. That’s a job for you and God.

Sometimes we put too much trust in the people around us and not enough in our Heavenly Father. Let me assure you that whatever the result of this election, those of us who worship God can have confidence that we’re fine. We have a true Savior.

Lean on that Savior not only this election season, but in your daily life and in your marriage. Remember who is really in charge: God Almighty.

Now give your spouse a kiss and go vote.

4 thoughts on “What the Bible Says about This Election (and Every Other One)”

  1. Thank you, J!
    This is so true.

    I also desire to see those who follow Christ to TRULY follow Him. Too often I see Christians murmur or complain on social media about the state of our country, and how the elected officials and judges are causing corruption and ignoring God’s laws. Yet I don’t see an active ministry accompanying that “strong opinion.” I desire those who know right from wrong, who have the power of God’s Spirit in them, to actively love their neighbors and communities. I know God would use that kind of active faith to do more good than we could even imagine… Abortion ended because families would be healed, people would know God’s laws about sexuality, and the babies fostered by Jesus disciples until the mamas can care for the baby. Christians filling the gaps in areas where there is violence and racial tension, healing community relationships and freeing individuals with the truth of Gospel. The Muslim community (I live very close to an area in which girls disappear from honor killings it the killings are never investigated) reached with truth and freed from a dark religion.

    And it would not be possible for even the most corrupt elected official to put a stop to His plans.

  2. What an encouraging post and excellent reminder in these days which can be so unnerving. Thank you so much J! ♥

    “The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, And His sovereignty rules over all.”
    Ps 103:19

  3. I just participated in a Women’s Bible study on the book of I Peter, which focuses on both suffering and submission to authority. It was addressed to Christians in the Roman Empire living under the persecution of Nero – which was about as bad as it ever was. We were reminded of many of the points you make here; namely that God is sovereign no matter who is elected, and because our trust is in God we can submit to human authority – be it a non-believing husband, or a corrupt official – without fear. Many of us are breathing a sigh of relief at the likely, if temporary, respite this election cycle may well afford; but the call to pray for those in authority over us – and to live out the principles Anon lists – applies regardless.

  4. Pingback: Politics, Disagreement, and Relationship Damage - The Forgiven Wife

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