The Standard July 20, 2024
Currently in the United States there is a significant percentage of the population close to a state of utter panic regarding the upcoming presidential election. On both sides of the political aisle and places in between, people are predicting doom and gloom scenarios if one candidate or the other wins. The growing fear is being fanned into flames on the right and the left with reporting that democracy is at stake, that certain fundamental rights will be stripped away and the Constitution shredded if the other guy wins, and that each candidate has little regard for the pressing needs of the average American. Some potential voters perceive a hubris of each man at the top of the ticket regarding their unique ability to win in November and to get this country where it should be and dislike it.
No candidate and no political ideology ever will give us the deepest, most important answers in life. No human being or human institution has the power to rescue us completely. As the Psalmist says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save. When their spirit departs, they return to the ground; on that very day their plans come to nothing. Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—he remains faithful forever.” Psalm 146:3-6
We as U.S. citizens absolutely should use our reason and conscience to determine how we will vote. While gathering objective information is helpful, obsessing over possible election outcomes is not. We can do our part by praying, voting and possibly volunteering. After that, we would do well to take to heart the attitude of the Apostle Paul, fighting any inclinations of fear and dread.
“Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:4-9
celiastone 