The Next President

Hey all you Republicans out there, relax, your party’s presidential candidate in this unusually strange election cycle is on a short leash. And for all you Democrats, same for you—you need to chill out, too. For those of you who believe Hillary is a dirty, rotten, no-good, horrible person, or for anyone who’s convinced Donald Trump is the Antichrist, lighten up!  If you’re thinking the man or woman in the Oval Office will be calling the shots, think again:

God’s in charge!

I love how Daniel 2:20-21 reminds us that all of the political convulsing we do, especially in a political season like this, is really nothing more than a tempest in a teapot when stacked up against the plans of the Almighty:

“Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings.”

Now I’m not saying that politics is unimportant or that the upcoming elections won’t have consequences. The truth is, the party given power to rule greatly affects the cultural-moral-spiritual direction of America and the person in the Oval Office has great bearing on both the outward strength and the inner fortitude of our nation. It matters, and as believers, we are obligated to be well informed and actively engaged in our politic process. But can I remind you again of this one truth that trumps (no pun intended) all your concerns?

God’s in control! 

God allows politicians to be elected, he keeps the president on a short leash, and at the end of the day, whether rulers rule well or not, God will accomplish his purposes. He is in charge—and in control.  As someone has correctly said, history is really His story.  It always has been, it is right now, and it shall be tomorrow.

God rules!

I hope that gives you great comfort, and I hope it will allow you to be a little more sane and kingdom-focused as the politics of this election year heat up well beyond the point of sanity.

Let me say it one more time just in case you missed it:

God reigns!

“God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? We have been assured in the Sacred Writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this. I also believe that, without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel” ~Benjamin Franklin, Constitutional Convention of 1787

Instead of all the hand-wringing, read I Timothy 2:1-4—then practice it: “I urge that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” Now, like them or not, pray for Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton (and Bernie, too) every day for the next 30 days! It will please your Heavenly Father—and it will calm your heart!