We currently find ourselves gearing up for the 2024 Presidential election in times that seem unstable and strange to navigate. While I think it is good to be relatively informed about what is happening in the world, if you lingered too long reviewing all the conflicting news regarding the present state of the election process, discouragement and confusion could easily overwhelm you. It feels like oftentimes people are looking for a particular politician to save our country, and I see believers and nonbelievers alike rallying around one candidate or another, as if he or she is the person who will save us.
I was thinking about this the other day and remembered the words of Psalm 20:7, “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, but we will boast in the name of Yahweh, our God” (LSB). When David wrote this royal Psalm, he was preparing for battle and was sharing his people’s prayer for victory. David clearly understood that his trust was in the Lord. His trust was not in any matter of strength or armies or anything of this world. David knew his victories would come from the Lord alone, and he placed his trust in Him entirely.
This verse is also reinforced in Psalm 33:17, a Psalm of praise, in which it is written, “A horse is a false hope for salvation; nor does it provide escape to anyone by its great strength” (LSB). Again, we can see this idea that the writer would not hope in horses for victory or salvation, but rather, the Lord, as the praises continue in verses 20-21, “Our soul is patient for Yahweh; He is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in Him, because we trust in His holy name” (LSB).
This makes me question if there is something or someone I am trusting in instead of the Lord. Is my heart glad in Him because I trust His holy name? Am I patient for Him? The answers to these questions are, “not always,” if I am being honest. I would not be surprised if I am not alone in that. Many of us are likely trusting in people or in things of this world. If we examined ourselves, we could substitute the words “chariots” and “horses” with many other nouns. For example, does our trust rest in:
- Personal finances?
- Health or doctors or medicines?
- Education?
- Spouses or other family members?
- Friends?
- Careers?
- The politicians that govern our country?
None of these things are inherently sinful, but it would be wrong to trust in any of them over our sovereign Lord whose plans are perfectly established for His glory. The things and people of the world are powerless when considering our Almighty God.
The Bible is clear that salvation comes from Jesus alone. Our trust is in Him, and we are saved by grace through faith in Him. Again, while there is nothing wrong in preferring and voting for a particular candidate, as we approach the election, it would be healthy to remember that the elected candidate is not our savior, although I am sure we would be thrilled if we were governed by politicians who actively seek the Lord.
God is on His throne, and our Savior is the one and only Son of God, Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:17 tells us that all things are held together by Jesus, and nothing will happen that is outside of God’s control or design, including the election. God permits us to participate in the selection of our government leaders, and we should exercise that privilege and be involved in politics or discussions in ways that are God-honoring and do not bring reproach upon our witness or the name of Christ. However, regardless of our involvement or passion for the election, God’s will in the election will ultimately be accomplished.
If we are trusting in something other than our risen Savior, then it is time to take it to the Lord in prayer and confess that we are holding too tightly to whatever that may be. We need to submit whatever it is to the Lord and ask Him to help us to trust in Him instead of anything in this world. In doing so, we can have joy in all things. For example, if our preferred candidate does not win the upcoming election, we can rest in knowing that God is still in charge and over our lives, and, according to Romans 8:28, that He causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him.
Father God, You are sovereign and faithful to us, more faithful than we are to You. We thank You for the many ways You love us and that Your plans are flawless and right. We confess that our nation has become increasingly godless by the day, but many of us love You and yearn for the return of Jesus, our beloved and perfect Savior. Father, if we are not trusting solely in You, we pray You will help us release anything of this earth to which we cling and that we learn to trust in You instead. We pray for the upcoming election and the outcome as You sovereignly will it. In the precious and mighty name of Jesus, Amen.
Jeanne-Marie Witmer
Jeanne-Marie Witmer, Daughter of the King, is a wife and a mother to a teenage son. She wants to encourage women to have meaningful relationships by first having a meaningful relationship with Jesus. Jeanne-Marie understands the transformative work of Christ when we repent and submit to Him so that He can work in our lives. She would like to share what she's learned to help other women find hope and healing in Christ, and she prays that her written words glorify God. When not busy homeschooling, spending time with family and friends, or writing; Jeanne-Marie enjoys photography and many crafts and hobbies.
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