If you are anything like me, a large part of you did not want anything to do with the “debate” that was on Monday night, but you watched it because you felt like the only thing worse would be not watching it. You may find that no matter what you do, you cannot stay away, like gawking at a car accident as you’re driving down the highway.
As I was watching, I was scared by what I saw. I was scared for the fate of our country. I was afraid of the lack of logic and composure and grace. I started to get worried about how hard it will be to leave all my family and friends behind and move to Costa Rica if this country actually elects Donald Trump to be president. (I mean come on - if the electoral college wasn’t made to protect us from people like him, then what is it for?)
But in all seriousness, as I felt this fear rise within me, I came to a realization about just how much faith we place in our political system and its leaders.
Thankfully, however, there is someone above them.
“Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God.” (Isaiah 41:10)
Out of all the areas in my life where I often forget about God, perhaps the most dangerous is in times when I fear for the future. It is in these times that, if I am not careful, I could turn to humans in search of the things that only God can offer me: peace, joy, hope, and safety. It is so easy to get caught up in the promises and the lies of politicians that we lose sight of the big picture.
If you are in full support of a candidate and have put your trust in her or him, that’s fine, but you already have a savior. Neither the world, nor the country, nor you as an individual needs saving; Jesus has already done that.
If you are horrified at the thought of a particular candidate holding the presidency for the next four to eight years, you are not alone in that fear. As cliche as it may sound, God really does have a plan. Jesus is more powerful than any human and Good ultimately does win over evil.
“The light shines in the darkness and the darkness cannot overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Though part of me feels hypocritical trying to tell you not to be afraid, do not be afraid. God will always be God, even through the realization of our worst fears, whatever those may be. I have been really guilty of forgetting that lately.
So pray for peace. Pray for wisdom. Most of all, pray against lies of fear and despair. God is in control. Even in situations where it seems as though the worst possible person has obtained ultimate power, God is still in control. I am reminding myself as much as anybody else, but this should bring relief and comfort. Humans will always be fallible and God will always be perfect.
The End.
Special Thanks to Professor Matt Farmer for saying something in class last semester which helped inspire me to write this.
