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Surviving the Election Season

Writer's picture: Ricky BybeeRicky Bybee

I despise Election Seasons, it seems as if it lasts forever and as soon as one is over—the party suffering the loss begins staging the next party takeover. Every season, we feel as if we need to reinvent the wheel, that someone will have a better way that divides our society in ways I never thought possible. Often times we are divided based on rhetoric, as voters--we are placed in categories based on geographic region, religion, race, ethnic backgrounds,… you name it, I could go on. What we really need is to ground ourselves in the habits and practices as Christians in Prayer, Scripture reading and fasting.



Prayer. Throughout the season, pray regularly and specifically for the issues that are captivating your attention, the candidates and the neighbors and friends who disagree with you. Pray for your community, your pastors, and your own heart. Pray that Christ would calm the raging sea of your heart when Social Media makes you anxious, or when you hear dissention, speak to God about it.


Scripture reading. God’s Word speaks not only to political situations, but to the various temptations and challenges we face when we’re at odds with one-another. Take a break from social media. Turn off the TV. Sit quietly with God. Stillness doesn’t have to be monumental—it could be as simple as the short car ride. Remember who and what defines you as a Christian.


Fasting. It’s a great way to meet the anxieties associated with this season. Fasting helps us remember that we need God’s provision. As we watch politicians and pundits promise to protect and provide for us, fasting helps us remember our ultimate dependence upon God.


Remember who’s really in Control


Romans 13:1 states “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”


Every election year, we hear the same claim: “This is the most important election in our lifetime.” Political leaders want to raise the stakes to encourage participation, using fear to motivate hesitant voters. Much of politics runs on the idea that if we do not elect the right leaders, win the big court case, or finally push through the right legislation, our world will fall apart. We’re made to feel that it’s up to us to fix everything, and that responsibility weighs heavily on our shoulders.


Each of us can engage and seek in a healthy way in our communities—by educating ourselves, building relationships, offering our time and resources, showing up to meetings, and voting—without viewing election results as a life-or-death proposition that rests exclusively on us.


Instead, let’s regard our duties of citizenship as an act of worship in response to the God who loved this world enough to enter it on our behalf—and promises to make all things new.


Romans 13 and following make it clear to me and I hope you find great comfort in this scripture: 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.”

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