Article November 13, 2000 Issue

After an election

Don't stop praying!

By Maryl F. Walters

BEFORE AN ELECTION many people pray for direction in voting. They feel that listening for the guidance of God, instead of relying only on human opinions and reasoning, is very helpful. But what about after the election? If we're pleased with the outcome, should we sit back and relax? If we don't like the outcome, should we resign ourselves to a period of bad government?

There's a more constructive approach. The Bible says, "The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us" (Isa. 33:22). God is in control before and after an election! You're safe, and your country is safe, in His hands. And accepting that doesn't imply passivity. Trusting God calls for active spiritual reliance, not passive "letting go." We can acknowledge the almighty power of God in all aspects of life— public and private, despite negative appearances.

Knowing that God is supreme and in control provides a defense against the fear that other forces are in control. We know what it means to defend our country in time of war. But what form should our defense take at other times? To "defend" means to support, protect, shield, advocate, stand behind, vindicate. Supporting a country's leadership doesn't mean personally agreeing with the individual's policies. It means standing behind the office, shielding and protecting it from mistakes or evil influences by knowing that God is right there, in control. We vote for good government every day by defending it in our prayers.

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