EnJOYing Election Season: Cultivating Joy in the Chaos

“Evangelicals for Harris” are all CHINOS — Christians In Name Only. God is not fooled. Neither should we be fooled.

My Social Media feeds are full of vitriol…from both sides of the political divide.

“How can any Christian vote for a convicted criminal, rapist, insurrectionist, etc.”

And it grieves me.

The Bible says that all anyone must do to be saved (or to be a Christian) is to confess that Jesus is in charge or Lord and believe that He died and rose again. (Romans 10:9-10)

Granted this faith or belief is expected to result in life change. We are to be known by our love (John 13:35), our fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23), and our active faith (James 2:14-26).

So, when someone claims that a Christian must vote one way or the other, it grieves me. It grieves me because it is not Biblical.

I have been a believer for more than 40 years and I feel disenfranchised. I do not belong, not because of my faith, but because I cannot support either candidate.

If I feel like I do not belong in the church, can you imagine how someone who does not yet know Jesus must feel?

If I allow myself I could refuse to attend church, stop talking about issues that matter, and be miserable.

So how can we enjoy this season?

When I see the posts claiming in order to be a Christian you have to vote one way or another, I pray. I turn to the God who is sovereign, who can manage His own reputation, and trust Him.

I may respond, but most likely I will just pray.

Pray for the CHURCH, that we really are known by our love…love for each other, love for those who do not know Jesus, love for all humanity.

Pray for the USA, that God would revive the hearts and minds of His people. That His love would spread and more would come to know Jesus.

Pray for the peaceful transition of power and for all the branches of government, local, state, and national.

And as I pray, I put my trust in God’s perfect plan and not in my own way.

I will vote as God directs and trust Him in it all.

Will you join me in prayer, trust, and rest on the One who is able to do more than we ask or imagine? (Ephesians 3:20)

For when we pray, trust, and rest we can experience the joy of God’s presence even in the craziness of political uproar.

What do you do to foster joy during seasons of political vitriol?

I often speak about joy. If you have a group that would benefit from ways to cultivate joy in their lives, click here to visit my speaking page. I hope I get the opportunity to serve your group.