Trust God Not Politicians

Another election cycle has passed. Some Americans are celebrating, others are disappointed, and some do not even care. I must admit that I am relieved that the political calls have stopped. I am also celebrating that a personal friend was actually elected to the Iowa Senate, but even as I celebrate his election, my ultimate trust is not in him.
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Elections like other actions definitely have consequences. People on both sides of the political isle recognize that that there is reason for concern for the future of this country but they obviously have different ideas concerning the solution. As I become discouraged over some results and celebrate others, I must remind myself that my hope for the future must not be placed in a politician or a ballot measure, but in my God. “It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.” (Psalms 118:8-9)
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I am not writing these things to suggest that we as Christians should have no concern for the political process. When I plant the garden, I trust God to make the seeds grow, but I must actually put the seed in the ground first. In other words, I believe Christians should be involved in the voting process and should be informed as they vote. At the same time we must keep things in proper perspective and realize that even when we have proud elected officials who lie, we can still trust God. “Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalms 40:4)
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As we realize how corrupt many of our politicians are, and as we see that few of them even care about what God has to say, it may be tempting to become afraid. I am not suggesting that there is no reason for concern. I actually believe that Christians may face more and more persecution in the days ahead; however, I do not want us to fear, I want us to have confidence in the power of our God even if we do suffer. “In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me.” (Psalms 56:11)
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If we allow our faith to be shaken by mere election results, then the enemy wins more than just a political campaign. “Thus saith the LORD; Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” (Jeremiah 17:5) As Christians, our job is the same regardless of who is in office. Our job is to remain faithful as we serve the Lord and bring glory to Him through our lives. We may face further challenges as we do that, but as we remain faithful we are able to be used for God’s glory.
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We must also remember that God is the ultimate judge who will hold wicked men accountable in the end. The Thessalonians faced persecution for their faith and they were given these encouraging words by the Apostle Paul. “So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:” (2 Thessalonians 1:4-8).
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Remember that God is in control and that in the end He wins. We can trust Him no matter what happens.