As we went to the polls on Tuesday, it was a given that not everyone would be pleased with the results. We had heard that this election could turn the nation in a far left spiral or maintain status quo a little longer. Which would it be? And now we know.

If I recall, just two short years ago we were hearing the same concerns. We were told then that the results of that presidential election would get the nation back on track or continue the slide down a very slippery slope. Both sides of the aisle believed the opposing side projected a dark path toward a dictatorship of sorts. We’ve heard similar language in this mid-term cycle.

But I have to say that, regardless of the election results, no one really walks away a winner. No one walks away unscathed. There is so much unrest and discord and distrust in political leaders today that election results only resolve one issue. Which party gets to be in charge for a few years.

Politicians make many promises while they’re on the campaign trail just to break them once elected. Not always, but many times. An R or D after a candidate’s name on a ballot doesn’t guarantee anything. We can’t place our hope in any one candidate. They will fail us. Miserably. Many people are greatly disillusioned and disappointed with both parties.

Both sides believe their side is right. Each believes their plans are better and they should be in control. Each side wants to set the tone of this nation for the next two years. Each wants to punish the leaders of the opposing party. One party never seems to get their act together to do just that thing, while the other party goes for the jugular before they’re even in charge. One party believes this country is in for a rough ride these next two years, and the other party is gloating and calling for payback.

And just for the record. There is evil and corruption in both political parties. There is abuse of power and authority, and there are under the table deals. Meetings unrecorded and under cover occur and most of us are unaware. Unqualified and unvetted people are placed in positions they should never be in. Some walk through doors that have been opened wide for them, while others break down the door and call it fair.

Many people voted in person. Many others voted early. And yet many opted out of their responsibility. Some people think their one little vote won’t do any good, so they refuse to vote. I’ve read that if every Christian voted, this country would be in an entirely different situation right now. Think about that.

What we have to know is that God is in control. He knows every vote that was counted. He knows of the depth of corruption in our country’s political system. He knows if election fraud is a widespread issue or not. He knows the hearts and plans of those in office and those newly elected. He knows the minutest details of the next two years and exactly what will play out.

If he wanted to, God could remove all evil with just the blink of an eye. He could snuff out all corruption with the flick of a wrist. He could allow only truth to be told and shutter all lies by just thinking about it. But he doesn’t. He gives us freedom to choose how we live.

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God reigns over the nations; God sits on his holy throne. Psalm 47:8

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If you’ve read your history books, you have to know there is a pattern of decline for all great nations. It’s just the way it is in this world. No country with super power status stays in that position forever.

Our great nation has had a great run of successes. Two hundred and fifty years is nothing to be ashamed of. But we’ve become complacent as a nation, and we assume things will continue to go well for us because we’re the most powerful nation on earth. As we can see, we’ve been sadly mistaken. We’ve forgotten to keep God as the head of state. We’ve replaced him with false gods. So, these election results are no surprise. This is what happens when God is left out of our society. When God is pushed away, he won’t demand his way.

What does all of this have to do with faith in God? What does this have to do with Christianity and the hope of the cross of Christ? Where is God when the nations falter? Why doesn’t he rescue us from the upheaval that poor political decisions cause? Well, the sun came up today. The world is still turning. God is still in charge, and he knows what’s going on.

If you’ve read the book of Daniel, you know that the nation of Israel (God’s chosen people) suffered a devastating loss. It was a political defeat of the ages when the Babylonian army besieged the city, and King Jehoiachin relinquished power to the enemy. The best of the best people of Israel were led away as captives and were sent to live in exile in Babylon. But while they were living there, the prophet Jeremiah instructed them to enjoy the wealth of the nation where they were exiled. Get married and raise families. Live your best life even under exile conditions. And he commanded them to pray for their new homeland, because the success of their homeland was their own success.

And that’s what we must do today. We must pray for the success of our elected leaders. We must pray for the success of our nation. Because in the success of our nation and our leaders, we will find success. It doesn’t mean we have to applaud and agree with their decisions. It doesn’t mean we have to fall in line with their agenda. But we must pray for the best for this nation. And we must pray that godly advisors surround them in their work.

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. Jeremiah 29:7

As today’s culture continues to morally and ethically slide down the slippery slope of radicalism, Christians today must continue to put on the full armor of God each day. We must be strong and courageous in living out our faith by never compromising truth. We know that the kingdom of Jesus Christ is unshakeable and will not fall, regardless of how shaky our world may be.

It’s time to be reminded that God is in control of the universe. He always has been, and he always will be. This is his world. And even if this election causes this country to descend into chaos, we believers in the God who reigns supreme over all the earth know that he is with us. He didn’t promise us an easy, carefree life. In fact, quite the opposite. He said we will be persecuted because of our faith. And we have to stop and wonder if that time could soon be upon us. We must be prepared to suffer when those who oppose biblical truths hold political power.

It’s time to dig deep into the Word of God and firm up our faith. It’s time to study to show ourselves approved by the God we say we serve. Regardless of which party is in power, now is the time for all people to call on God. We must go about our days doing the work set before us, all the while trusting God and his providence. He is with us and he is for us. Let’s not be against him.

What we must take from this election cycle is this. God knows the future. He humbles the proud; even elected officials. And it may just be our time to experience a bit of God’s judgment as our country continues to push him away. It is time for believers to search for God’s peace when earthly peace is unattainable. We could be entering a season of turmoil like we’ve never experienced before.

God is still sovereign, and he rules the nations. Not a single thing misses his eye. And we can fully trust him and his timing. May his name be praised.

For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. Psalm 22:28

Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!” 1 Chronicles 16:31

The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalm 103:19