In God We Trust

The presidential election has left me feeling anxious like nothing else this year, and since we all know what this year has entailed in general, that’s saying a lot. I get nervous thinking about what our country might look like after the next four years. I honestly start to panic if I think about it too much. It’s a topic that I have had to continually bring to God in prayer.

Throughout these last few months, the LORD has given me a few verses and thoughts to help redirect my trust back to Him. They are as follows:

1. Psalm 20:7

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

When King David wrote this Psalm, horses and chariots were used as weapons of war, so he was essentially stating that, while other nations might trust in their weapons, military power, or might, he and the Israelites would place their trust in God. It was God’s favor that would bring them the victory in battle and be their source of protection.¹

Nations still place their trust in their weapons, military power, and might today. Nowadays, some are most likely placing their trust in a cure or in a better economic or social situation for the future as well. And in this nation in particular, there are undoubtedly many people who are placing their trust in their preferred presidential candidate and what it will mean for the country if that person wins the election. We are all looking for our own source of comfort and protection in some way. As believers, however, our trust is not in any of these things. We trust in the name of the LORD our God. Even when life seems dismal, He promises to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). No other leader can keep a promise like that. No other person is worthy of our trust like He is.

2. Proverbs 21:1

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.”

This verse has served to remind me that God is still in control regardless of what happens to our nation or the world. It has also made me think of moments throughout Scripture in which God has proven this verse to be true.

He turned King Nebuchadnezzar’s heart when Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were not harmed by the fiery furnace and a fourth man stood amongst them.² He turned his heart again when He took away his ability to reason and made him like a wild beast in the field.³  

He turned King Darius’ heart, which caused him to make a decree that all people must fear the God of Daniel after God saved Daniel from the lions’ den.⁴

He turned the heart of King Ahasuerus after Queen Esther revealed her true origins to him.⁵

And He has even turned the hearts of rulers who refuse to ever acknowledge that He is God. He did so through Pharaoh in hardening his heart and thus manifesting His signs in a powerful way.⁶

Through these examples, God has proven that He is able to turn the hearts and accomplish His purposes through pagan rulers and even ones that never acknowledge His lordship. He doesn’t need the perfect presidential candidate or world leader to accomplish His purposes. He is a perfect, powerful God that is more than capable of fulfilling them however He pleases. No one and nothing will thwart His plans.

3. Philippians 3:20

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

The last thing God has been reminding me of originally came from a song called Rey de Justicia. The bridge to this song popped up as a memory on social media over a week ago, and through it, I have been reminded of what Philippians 3:20 says.

 The bridge to the song translates as follows:

Establish Your kindgom
In our lives
Seat Your throne
On our hearts
-En Espíritu y En Verdad

I find a lot of comfort in these words and in knowing that the kingdom I belong to is not of this world. My citizenship is in a kingdom that will never falter or change. It’s doesn’t depend on any cure or on a better system or on how well the stock market is doing. It is a perfect kingdom with no uncertainties or flaws—one that cannot be captured, threatened, or destroyed. And it is one that will endure forever, ruled by a leader that is righteous, good, and just.

Throughout these last few days, I have recognized my need to place a greater value and hope in this kingdom, and my heart cries out the words of the song above.

The truth is, we will never have a perfect nation or leader on this earth. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, and Esther didn’t either. But as we place our hope in God and allow Him to reign over our lives, perhaps we will see Him turning the hearts of leaders through our example, just as He did through theirs. Perhaps His glory will be manifested in the midst of this world’s darkness because we choose to live as loyal citizens to a celestial city.

Whatever happens in the following months and years, let’s keep that in mind. Let’s recognize our need to truly let God live as our King. This world is temporal, and this nation and all our current concerns will one day pass away. But God’s kingdom will last forever, and our citizenship as believers is secure in it. So let’s find hope and comfort in that today and always, no matter what tomorrow may bring.

Post Script: If you haven’t read the stories of the rulers mentioned above, I encourage you to do so in the passages mentioned below.

1. https://www.bibleref.com/Psalms/20/Psalm-20-7.html
2. Daniel 3
3. Daniel 4
4. Daniel 6
5. Esther 7
6. Exodus 7-12