Focus on Him

Dr. Eldred Marshall, Artist-in-Residence, Associate Director of Music Ministries

For all of my 20s, Election Day results meant the difference between employment and unemployment.

Be it the fate of my internship or my positions as a senior aide, or desire to maintain my reputation as a campaign manager, the unpredictability made me anxious.

Further, the incessant data analysis, poll watching, get-out-the-vote efforts, fundraisers, news media stories, speeches and writing drained me by the weekend before Election Day.
 
I say this as a preface to tell you that I totally empathize with everyone’s Election Day anxiety.
 
However, I would like to bring God into this landscape, as He reminds us what is truly important in times like these.
 
…He removes kings and raises up kings…

– Daniel 2:21 (NKJV) 

Election results are predetermined.

He already knows who won, and He has already accounted for these people in His plan.

He just doesn’t clue us in to the future because that’s “grown folks’ business.”

Focus on Him, not some man or woman.

“The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.”

– Proverbs 21:1 (Berean Study Bible)

To put this into the US context, every president, House Speaker, Supreme Court justice, and every other official is under the watchful eye of God.

Pray for them.

Communicate with them, and do not hide your light while doing so.
 
“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of righteousness.”

– Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

There is nothing to fear about a future led by your political opponent.

In fact: 

“Cursed is the person who trusts in humankind…” 

– Jeremiah 17:5 (LEB)

And in my view, “humankind” includes human governmental systems.

Instead, choose God.

He will grant you the strength and the courage needed to be an advocate for justice and righteousness.
 
Irrespective of what happens on Tuesday and beyond, let us all be on the forefront of bringing unity and humanity back into our sphere.

There is more that unites us than divides us.
 
In the midst of the rumors of post-election violence, let’s be unequivocal advocates for peace.
 
There is much work for us to do as Christians to repair our society, regardless of who temporarily resides in the White House.

Let’s do it together, in the name of our Lord, Savior, and Eternal King, Jesus Christ.