It seems that each election season causes us to be fraught with anxiety. We wonder if the world will end or the following elected official will kickstart the top times.
As the world becomes increasingly darker and darker, we will often get swallowed up in despair about politics. We may wonder if any good leaders still exist or if the systems in place have develop into corrupted in and out.
When we begin to feel exhausted from the news, we must remind ourselves that our hope is rooted in God, not politics. If you think that Christians stand alone of their anxiety on the subject of leaders, we may not have made ourselves familiar enough with the leaders of the Roman Empire through the time of the early church.
Politics has all the time caused fear and strife.
It’s time for us to search out a recent foundation.
What Is the History of Politics within the Bible?
It shouldn’t surprise us that politicians have been turning corrupt since nearly the start of time.
Even before Israel had kings, that they had judges. And although the judges began well, they depreciated in goodness over time. Until we get to the time of Samson, where he does whatever he pleases to satisfy his pleasures.
The kings in Israel’s history didn’t improve. We do have a number of standout kings who (for probably the most part) followed the straight and narrow. This includes David—aside from that whole Bathsheba debacle—Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, and Josiah (together with a number of others).
However, about ninety percent of the kings in Israel’s history turned to evil. They offered up infants as sacrifices to pagan gods, filled their pockets while their people starved, and picked battles with enemies they couldn’t actually go to war with.
Sound familiar?
By the time Christ steps onto the scene, things fare no higher. Although several kingdoms have taken over Israel throughout its history, Rome decided to best all of them of their cruel practices.
Anyone who challenged them would find themselves on the nasty end of capital punishment. They usually slaughtered those they viewed as threats to the empire, including lots of the Early Church saints.
And what does Paul say about these leaders?
To obey them—unless they ask Christians to do something that goes against what God has called them to do.
The Emperors through the time of Paul definitely were removed from good. Under Nero’s rule alone, Paul met his execution via beheading.
But evidently the early church knew to not fear the federal government. Although the federal government could harm them, they knew God would outlast the empire. And he did.
Why Do We Worry so Much about Politics?
Certainly, placing our trust in God is less complicated said than done when those that rule determine our livelihood. A tax-happy leader may put us out of the home and residential, as an illustration, even when each adults in our household work full-time jobs.
Those who make policies can determine how our kids are educated, how we will practice our religious freedoms, and the way to handle foreign affairs.
With so many wars and rumors of wars, all of us sit on the sting of our seats as we wait for the following leader to make decisions that may affect the very nature of our countries and homelands.
When we’ve so little control over our circumstances, we worry.
So, how can we practically place our hope in God when (no matter which party we belong to) we worry that an evil leader has set foot on our country’s stage?
5 Ways to Place Your Hope in God, Not Politics
It all starts with us turning to Scripture. The Bible tells us that nothing recent has ever happened in history. Throughout history, God’s people have handled evil politicians and corrupt policies.
So, with this in mind, let us take a look at five ways to trust in God.
1. Turn off the news or limit your time watching it.
Although we should always stay informed, the news can depress us. If you end up drifting off into hopelessness regarding the news, turn off the TV and spend a while in God’s word.
We can so easily get sucked into social media headlines and forget to take a breath of fresh air outside, away from all of the noise. Do your mental health a favor and take breaks.
2. Remind yourself of past evil rulers.
They existed through the time of the early church. They exist now. God prevailed then, and he’ll proceed to prevail now. Remember that God has already won the war. So, each battle that comes our way is nothing in comparison with the victory he has already won.
3. Review the ways God has provided for his saints.
Politics often frightens us since it affects the very nature of how we live. If an individual makes a policy that may drain our checking account or threaten our livelihood, we will often live in a state of panic.
Know that God has provided for his people up to now. I take into consideration Elijah and when he went toe-to-toe with Jezebel and Ahab. When Elijah fled to the desert, God provided for him there.
He will proceed to accomplish that for you, too.
4. Remember, God has an ultimate plan.
No election surprises God. He doesn’t see the newly elected leader and say, “Oh, darn, didn’t account for that.” He has grafted all future leaders into his plan.
Don’t discount God’s enormous power he wields, even over rulers and nations. No one could make a policy that may outdo God’s omnipotence.
5. Keep your discourse civil.
Election seasons can bring out the worst in us. It may cause us to say moderately uncharitable things to people “on the opposite side.” If we have chosen to broil those that don’t align with our views, we may reveal a deeper heart issue: we have placed our hope in our leaders as a substitute of our Leader.
Be sure that we handle all topics with grace and civility as election season rolls around. If you discover your temper heating, ask God to work in your heart and place your hope in something with a much firmer foundation.
What Are Some Tools for Learning about Faith and Politics?
The following articles provide more insights on Christians engaging with politics in a hopeful, Christ-centered way.
Biblical Reasons Christians Should Vote
Examining Christian Nationalism: God, American Politics, and the Church
Should Christians be Involved in Politics?
7 Things Christians Should Remember about Politics
Should Christians Go into Politics?
3 Ways Your Politics Are Corrupting Your Witness
Christians and American Politics
Is it Possible to Separate Your Politics from Your Faith?
Jesus Said Not to Worry – That Includes Politics
How to Engage in Politics without Destroying Your Ministry
As a Christian, How Involved Should I Be in Politics?
Three Reasons Not to Preach Politics within the Pulpit
A Call to Focus on Jesus as We Approach an Election Year
Cover Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Enterline Design Services LLC.
Hope Bolinger is an acquisitions editor at End Game Press, and the writer of virtually 30 books. More than 1500 of her works have been featured in various publications. Check out her books at hopebolinger.com for clean books in most genres, great for adults and children.
