The Lord Reigns

Today is election day. And it is an unusually important one in the eyes of many. If you look to either end of the political spectrum, you will quickly hear that this election will determine if our democratic-republic stands or falls. Worse yet, many claim that the fate of our entire planet rests on this day and on who is elected as the next president of the United States of America. There are concerns of political unrest, and, in some places, threats have even been made against people who may vote for the “unfavorable” candidate.

Now, I am not going to choose sides in this brief article. Here in New Hampshire we had three options on the ballot for president: Jo Jorgenson, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump. I could easily point out the problems (some quite serious) with each of those candidates. But that wouldn’t be helpful at this point.

As things stand right now, anxiety, fear, anger, and any number of other emotions are ruling the day. And these emotions are ruling many of us right now, and not in good ways. We are lashing out at others, severing relationships, treating fellow brothers and sisters in Christ as the enemy. This is not the way.

When I got up this morning I could not help but think of Psalm 97. It starts off with this declaration: “The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! (ESV)” In this day of hyper-partisan politics, we often look to a political party, or even a particular politician, as our hope and our salvation. But Psalm 97 reminds us that none of these people are in control. God is. It reminds us that no matter who wins an election, God’s people are still united under Him and can still rejoice in who He is, and in His sovereign reign.

If the Lord reigns, we need not be anxious about anything (see Philippians 4:6-7). If the Lord reigns, we need not be afraid (see II Timothy 1:7). If the Lord reigns, then anger should not overcome us and separate us (Matthew 5:22 and James 1:20). Rather, confidence in the Lord our God will cause us to have real joy and hope, drive us to encourage one another, and help us to transcend the political battles of our day so that we might proclaim the ultimate kingship of the Maker of heaven and earth.

And if you look at the rest of Psalm 97, that is what it tells us. Nothing in the world can overcome Him. Nothing happens outside of His control. No enemies will ever defeat Him or His people. He will preserve us. He will deliver us. He will cause us to love what is good. He will make us a light to the world. And He will cause us to rejoice in Him.

So in the grand scheme of things, this election really isn’t all that important. It will not change who rules the universe. It will not change how sinners like us can be saved. It will not make or break the Church. It will not take away our hope, a hope that is founded an a sovereign, unchanging God who chose to send His own Son to save His enemies, you and me.

I encourage you, then, to take a few minutes to read the rest of Psalm 97 today. The truths made known to us in it are crucial for God’s people today as we await the election results, and tomorrow as we face whatever tomorrow may bring. And remember, the Lord reigns, and in that truth we can always rejoice.