4 Reasons to Release Election Distress - Your Daily Forward Devotional

4 Reasons to Release Election Distress
By Pastor Nat Crawford, Bible Teacher and Divisional President

Don't lie. You're nervous. We all are.

This “November” shows up every four years. We're nervous leading up to the election, and we are nervous once the election is over because we know in four more years we have to do it again. What may also contribute to election anxiety is my vote is one of millions cast—not offering me or you much of a sense of control.

Friend, there is no problem with being concerned about your neighborhood, your city, your state, and even our great country. But God never wants us to be anxious or worry about anything.

Let's take a moment and go back to the Bible to discover 4 reasons to release election distress.

God cares. God knows we all struggle with anxiety and doubt. The good news is that God sincerely cares. 1 Peter 5:6-7 says, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.” No matter what causes you anxiety: elections, jobs, family, money, etc., God says, “I care. Tell me about it! I can do something about it!”

God moves. Because God is our heavenly Father, not only does He care, but He will do something about it. And it’s not just the everyday situations. He even moves in governments. 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.” God is in charge of all things – even governments. Yes, we pray. Yes, we vote. Yes, God cares. And God moves.

God listens. Regardless of the election results; regardless of the condition of your city or state; and regardless of the condition of your bank account or health—God cares, God moves, and God listens. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” My kids tell me, “Dad, worry about nothing! Pray about everything!” Why? Because God cares, and He listens! No matter your request, send it to God. Then trust Him.

God provides. What’s the result of our prayers? Remembering that God cares, God listens, God moves, remember too that He will provide. That’s why Philippians 4:7 continues, “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” God promises in all circumstances peace that cannot be beaten. That’s because we have hope and hope eternal no matter what external circumstance we face.

Friend, November 3rd is quickly approaching. There is much at stake. But we do not need to worry. We know we can trust God because God cares. God moves. God listens. And God provides.

Every day pray. Cast your cares on Him. Ask the Lord to put the right people into place to fulfill His purposes. Trust God because He is trustworthy. And then sit back and rest in God’s peace.

I’m excited about God’s perfect answer. Are you?