How to Keep Your Peace this Political Season

In a divided and contentious political season in the United States, you may be overwhelmed with fear, cynicism, and worry. With just about every news outlet sharing the worst-case scenarios and each side of the political aisle painting a picture of doom, if the other side wins, you may wonder how you can keep your peace and not become negatively affected by this fearful and anxiety-driven political season. In today’s video, I want to share three truths to keep so that you can maintain your peace through it all. Stay tuned!

Things are heating up here in the United States as we gear up for another election, or maybe you’re watching this after the election, and we’re now trying to navigate the division that this political season brings. You are not alone. Reports show 73% of voters are worried about political violence. (https://civilrights.org/2024/10/07/civil-rights-monitor-poll-2024/) 81% of voters believe our very democracy is being threatened (https://politics.georgetown.edu/2024/03/21/new-poll-81-of-voters-believe-democracy-is-threatened/) and 67% of voters report feeling anxious about this election. (https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/4888346-most-voters-anxious-about-election-with-economy-political-violence-top-concerns-poll/) 

Regardless of your political affiliation, as believers in Christ, we are not without hope and power to not only live without anxiety, but impact the world around us. However, if we’re as scared as everyone else, we miss an important opportunity to be the light of Christ during this time. 

In this video, you will learn:

• What we must remember about God to stay at peace.
• Why it’s so important to pray for our leaders even if we don’t agree with them.
• What we can always hold on to when times get dark.

Remember, God is in Control 

I understand why political seasons like this can come with so much passion and concern. The government impacts so much of our lives, from our ability to afford life's necessities, start a business, send our kids to school, or buy a home. But we must always remember who is ultimately in control, even over our political system.  

While I was working at the U.S. Department of State, I came in contact daily with individuals in very high positions of power. Some were so kind, humble, and respectful to everyone regardless of their position. There were also a few who let their titles get to their head and treated others as less than. After encountering someone like this one day, I went home feeling discouraged and powerless. That same day the Lord showed me Ephesians 1:21-22 that says Jesus is:

“Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” (Ephesians 1:21-22 ESV)

I was reminded that although I didn’t have a high position in the office, those who did were still not greater than Christ. Christ still ruled over them, whether they realized it or not. I knew Christ and that He didn’t play about me. This verse helped me place my confidence in the authority of Christ and not the authority of people. 

The Bible tells us that all authority in heaven and earth has been given to Christ (Matthew 28:18). He is ultimately in control, and we can always trust Him with our lives, no matter if things go our way or not. We should, therefore, not place our hope in a political party, but in Christ. When we do, we become prideful or fearful, both of which are not of God. Romans 13:1 says:

“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” (Romans 13:1 ESV)

Now you may be questioning why God would allow certain people positions of authority, but remember God gives authority and He can also take it away. This should be a sobering truth for those in authority. God also has power over those in authority which is why it is so important that we pray for those that lead us. Not just for them, but that they would lead in a way that is in accordance with the will of God. Pharaoh thought he was in control, but with all the power that he had, it was no competition to God and the same is true today. 

Remember, this is not our home.

As much as the world impacts us, this is not our home. We are ambassadors of heaven. We are not called to a political agenda, but to bring heaven down to earth. We are to be light in a dark world and the darker it gets, the brighter we should shine. 1 Peter 2:9 says:

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Yes, we should speak up, certainly vote, and use our voices to impact the change we want to see in the world, but as believers and representatives of Christ, our first priority is to be that change. 

Remember, we are never without hope. 

No matter what happens, we will never run out of hope when our focus is on Christ. No matter how dark it gets, how divided we become, or how much things change or stay the same, God is still God. Although we await the return of Christ to make all things new, God is still moving in our lives. So, as we experience a tumultuous political season and the results thereafter, I cover you with this prayer from Romans 15:13 that says:

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 ESV)

I’m going to tell you what my mom always tells me: “Don’t let anyone steal your joy.” If the world, a political party, or a government leader didn’t give you your joy, peace, or hope, they certainly can’t take it away.

I understand being light in a dark world can be intimidating, so I invite you to watch this video where I share 3 lies to overcome to stop hiding and start shining for the Kingdom. 

For more encouragement, download my free Bible Study, “Worry-Free,” to learn the 3 lies feeding your worry and the truth to set you free at belovedwomen.org. Thanks for watching, and until next time, be beautiful, blessed, and beloved.