Most people I know are pretty anxious about this week, with the election as well as possible reactions to election results (or lack of results). Given it’s in both parties’ interest to suggest the end of the world if the other side wins, it’s not surprising that the level of angst is amped up around any election day. And if the Democratic team does win both the presidency and the Senate, there are legitimate causes for fear in the sense that the direction of our country could spiral radically downward pretty quickly in the area of religious freedom. Yet the good news is that all these things are way, way outside any of our individual ability to control. Yes, that is a good thing. In the divine mix of God’s sovereignty and our agency, this is a time to rest in both. You and I have responsibility, in terms of what we do, but we do not have the ability to control the outcome. I’ve asserted that this gives us freedom to vote our conscience, as our vote is yet another of God’s good gifts that we should steward, and to trust that the outcome of the election is in the hands of a sovereign God who always is working in history to accomplish His plans. As an aside, you’re never on the wrong side of history when you are seeking God’s glory and not your own; and you’re never on the right side of history when you’re promoting human autonomy and rebellion against the commands of a sovereign God.

So how do I get the victory on Tuesday? And on Monday (today) and every day after the election? You and I get the victory as we control the only thing we really have any control over–our reaction to the circumstances of life. The worldly way to react is to try to control (and lament) what others are doing. That’s certainly a normal part of my flesh pattern, but one I need to leave behind, and I’m not alone. We begin to get the victory by spending deep time with God in prayer and praise for who He is. This is the preparation for each day’s battle. Then we make it our goal for today to be a voice of encouragement, and a voice to promote the hope we have in Christ regardless of earthly circumstances. We hold tightly to the fact that weeping may last for the night, but joy comes in the morning.

This week may have fear and angst that will seem pervasive. But all you and I have to do is what God calls us to do. We are to be good citizens, who participate and vote to seek the welfare of our country by voting for those we think most likely to support Godly values. We are to be people of peace and hope, and we are constantly urged to be courageous and not fearful (of man), but rather only to fear (be in awe) of a Holy God. I hope all of you heard this on Sunday. Now it’s our task to live it this week. When we are islands of calm and joy, people will notice.

Do you really believe that what you believe is really real? Let’s commit now to trust and rest in the providence of God in this election, and in everything else that troubles us.