Who Is In Control?
Well, here we are: election day. If you're at all like most people, you're feeling a mix of emotions today: hope, nerves, and maybe some stress-eating thrown in there. And while it can sometimes feel as though everything relies on today's results, we actually have something concrete to fall back on. It's not a candidate, that's for sure. And it's not a political party. Psalm 22:27-28 says, "All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations." Translation? No matter how today shakes out, God's got this. He's in charge, and no election is going to take away His ultimate authority.
Let's be real—it’s so easy to get caught up in it all—the high stakes about who's going to lead us. We place such importance on that, and we should. But Jesus had something quite radical to say: "My kingdom is not of this world" - John 18:36. In essence, He says, "Hey, your real citizenship? It's with me." Our ultimate hope, security, and purpose do not rest in election results. They are rooted not in the ballot, but in a kingdom that is eternal and cannot be shaken by vote counts much less changes in policy. And here is where it gets uncomfortable: God calls us to peace, even now. I know, I know—politics feels divisive, and everyone's got an opinion.
It is tempting to jump into debates or to let tension simmer, but Jesus was pretty clear we're called to a high standard: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God" (Matthew 5:9). So, as much as we might want to roll our eyes at that neighbor with the opposing yard sign, we've got an invitation to show empathy and even love—yes, love!—to every person, regardless of political persuasion. Such a perspective doesn't mean we don't care about politics. It means we care even more about reflecting Christ. Psalm 22 reminds us that "dominion belongs to the Lord." That truth gives us a steady place to stand when everything around us feels up in the air. And God's authority is not subject to debate, nor does it hang in the balance awaiting a recount. Attack ads are not needed and neither are campaign promises.
He has the big picture in mind, and nothing that happens surprises Him. And because God's in control, then we aren't carrying the weight of the world upon our shoulders. In Isaiah 41:10 it says, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God." Yes, that includes election day and everything that comes after. Whatever will happen, He's already there, holding the future. Now, one more thing to say regarding prayer: I know it can feel a little strange to think about praying for leaders we didn't vote for, but the Bible actually calls us to do so. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Paul exhorts us to pray for every person in authority, and that involves whoever will end up in the office.
Praying for our leaders—even those who make us groan—provides a means through which we express that we are trusting God to lead them and work through them, and that, ultimately, His purposes be accomplished. And don't forget your heart in prayer, too. As it says best in Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." That peace—of God? It is the fresh air in a room full of chatty anxiety.
When we bring to God our worries and hopes, He takes those and replaces them with His peace—no matter the circumstances. As we check results today and perhaps chew our nails a little, let us remember that our hope is not in any earthly leader. Yes, elections matter; yes, we do want to see positive change in our world. But our foundation, our real security, is built on something—and Someone—eternal. So now, cast your vote, say a prayer, and let's rest in truth: We serve a God who is steady, faithful, and in control. Let's go forth today with the echo in our minds, "Dominion belongs to the Lord." Whatever is going on, we're anchored in Him. And that's a hope we can truly count on.