Are you stressed by the presidential election? With Election Day approaching next week, there is no other way to put it. The presidential election is stressful. And everyone is affected.
Earlier this month, the American Psychological Association reported that 52 percent of American adults surveyed, regardless of political party, are very or somewhat significantly stressed by the 2016 election. The results of the APA survey show that both Republicans and Democrats are equally experiencing anxiety and stress.
There are no political party lines when it comes to being affected by uncertainty and negativity. We are human, and all the ongoing arguments, videos, stories, and images pouring at us online, exacerbated by social media 24/7, triggers anxiety and feelings of anger and helplessness. Therapists even see an increase between couples growing more irritable with each other; fatigue sets in as worries heighten, and division cropping up at work, among family and friends. Election stress hurts all of us.
In our stress, it is normal for us to ask: Where are you, God, in all this? What will happen to my family . . . to me?
There are many voices clamoring to have us focus on fear, anger, and a sense of hopelessness.
But as people of faith, we need to turn our attention to only One Voice: Jesus. Our One Faithful Confidante is whispering words of hope and light, even in the midst of what appears so dark.
As followers of Jesus, we possess the power and comfort of God’s Promises as we face an unknown election and future for our country. We can ask a different set of questions because we are called to live by a different reality: hope, love, and peace.
God’s Five Promises to Encourage Your Heart
No matter what happens on November 8th, remember God’s words of encouragement. Here are five promises to encourage your heart during this election:
1. I Am with You. I Will Help Strengthen You.
Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. {Isaiah 41:10}
2. I Will Help You Overcome Anything and Everything
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than He who is in the world. {1 John 4:4}
3. Power Isn’t Everything: You Are More Than Conquerors. Nothing Can Separate You from My Love.
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. {Romans 8:37-39}
4. I Will Take Care of You: No Harm Will Come to You.
Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. {Isaiah 43:1-2}
5. My Treasure in You Can Never Be Lost: My Very Self
We have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair. {2 Corinthians 4:8}
Five Tips and Questions to Help You Shine
The APA offers tips to help people manage their stress related to the election. I’ve added my own tips and set of questions for you below, too, along with some beautiful scriptures to inspire you to be who God created you to be — during such a time as this. Shine!
1. Your Rest Is Important. “How can I better take care of myself and create life-giving experiences for others during these stressful times?”
Take time for yourself, go for a walk, or spend time with friends and family doing things you enjoy.
I urge you to make it your ambition to lead a quiet [restful] life and attend to your own matters and work with your hands . . . then, you will behave properly towards others. {1 Thessalonians 4:11}
2. You Are a God’s Child: Peacemaker. “What conversations help encourage others around me and bring peace and kindness?”
Avoid getting into discussions about the election if you think they have the potential to escalate to conflict. Be cognizant of the frequency with which youβre discussing the election with friends, family members, or coworkers.
Everyone is longing for care, kindness, and attention. Your words carry the power to comfort and encourage.
The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit the quarrel before it breaks out. {Proverbs 17:14}
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. {Matthew 5:9}
3. You Are God’s Ambassador. “As a citizen of God’s kingdom of love, light, and hope, how can I best represent my true citizenship to others?
If the 24-hour news cycle of claims and counterclaims from the candidates is causing you stress, limit your media consumption. Read just enough to stay informed. Turn off the newsfeed or take a digital break. Focus your time and energy on what really matters, the things that brings love, light, and hope — then share it with real people in your everyday life.
But we are citizens of heaven, where the Lord Jesus Christ lives. And we are eagerly waiting for Him to return as our Savior. {Philippians 3:20}
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. {2 Corinthians 3:20}
4. You Are God’s Light. “What is something I can do to help others?”
Stress and anxiety about what might happen is not productive. Channel your concerns to make a positive difference on issues you care about. Consider volunteering in your community, advocating for a need or passion close to your heart.
You will shine like stars in the sky. {Philippians. 2:15
5. You Are Cared For. “What anxieties or cares can I talk to God about, rather than trying to solve them on my own?”
When you find yourself thinking What-If?, stop and share your fears with God. Pray. He understands your worries. Remember God will take care of you, no matter what happens politically. Avoid catastrophizing and maintain a balanced perspective.
Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. {1 Peter 5:7}
Like stars shining in the night, you can bring warmth, comfort, and peace to others. Jesus calls us to radiate His love, because He is alive in you and me.
Let us ask, “Jesus, how can I see You at work in me?”
Don’t let your hearts and minds be taken hostage by the fear, lies, and uncertainties. Set your mind on all that we are called to be and let us change the world by focusing on what really matters in life — everything beautiful and enduring.
Jesus lives in you and me. And He is calling us to live out a radical hope and light, right in the realities of everyday life.
Bonnie,
Wonderful thoughts and tips here. Yes, these are difficult and stressful times, but now more than ever, we, as Christians, need to be ready to give the reason for the hope that is within us. Darkness does not drive out darkness, but just a little bit of light can chase the darkness away. I love the quote by Billy Graham that says, “I have read the last page of the Bible and I know that everything turns out all right.” May we all cling to that eternal hope and perspective and meanwhile know that God holds us with His righteous right hand and He will not let the waters sweep over us. Great encouragement for trying and stressful times!!
Blessings,
Bev
yes, God’s voice still shines through your words and mine! blessings, Bev!
Go into the Psalms,,tremendous help here…Psalm 55
In the midst of a crazy election, I’m so glad that you offered us God’s promises from His Word. When Jesus was tempted by the devil, He answered with Scripture. We can argue and debate with others. But God’s Word cuts to the heart. I will certainly vote and I already mailed in my ballot. But now I can rest on God’s Word no matter the outcome. He is my shield. He will never leave me. Thank you Bonnie.
I’m looking forward to hearing about your new book and reading it of course. π
Love,
Debbie
it’s great you voted…! may we all rest in the whispers of Jesus — just as you wonderfully reminded us Jesus himself did. Thank you, Debbie — It’s so sweet to my heart to have friends like you welcoming the new book with me, coming next Spring!
Great article, and so relevant in these stressful days! Thank you!
Joni
Thanks, Joni! I’m so happy it spoke to your heart!
Thank you for your words of encouragement, faith and love. To just rest in the security of God’s amazing love for us is a gift beyond compare. May we all become more awakened to know more of Him bringing us to new levels of joy and purpose. He is our strength, healer, deliverer, shield, fortress and so much more!!!!!
Hi Gail, so happy it encouraged your heart — and what beautiful names you’ve whispered of who God is to you! Have a wonderful day, touched by His presence!
I can’t thank you enough for this. My heart has been tormented day in and day out for months, and I wouldn’t be surprised if part of the escalating panic and anxiety I’m dealing with is related in part to the election. Thank you SO MUCH for this perfect reminder as we head into the home stretch.
Hi Amber, thanks for sharing! I think it helps to know that the negativity of the election does affect us more than we think — and we are not alone. And then to take action to do things that are helpful to bringing us calm and peace — as we remind ourselves God’s powerful promises. We belong to Him! God’s love is our calm in the storm.
God’s Word, so full of promises that we can take to heart every day are very comforting and uplifting. So thankful He is a Sovereign God!
Thank you for this great post of encouragement!
Hi Kathy, I’m so happy to know the encouragement spoke to your soul! π
This is such a much-needed devotion…i wish everyone in our Country could read it. I probably don’t feel as stressed as some–but what you wrote gives me comfort and perspective. Thank you, Bonnie, for your words of His Love, Power, and Protection.
Hi Marilyn, it makes me smile knowing the promises that have comforted and encouraged my heart — has brought the same comfort and encouragement to you! have a wonderful day, touched by God’s whispers!
What can I say but AMEN!
Have a wonderful day, touched by God’s whispers of love, Brenda!
Thank you ever so much for your message today. I have felt so much fear lately. So grateful for these verse from His Word.
Hi Vonnie, for every fear, God has a continual flow of promises that we can hold onto. May you feel God’s loving arms wrap around you with each gentle whisper of His loving words. Thanks for sharing!
Great tips Bonnie. As believers we are encouraged by His Word and by others, and you have done a superb job of doing that.
Thank you Bonnie!!!
Thank you so much for these words and Scriptures of encouragement today.
I’m not thinking of the election today…but instead saddened by the news that my brother passed on to Heaven this morning…
Some of my very favorite Scriptures here.
Bless you.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am lifting you and your family in prayer today. May you fee God’s comfort as you grieve.
I loved this! I am not stressing about that but for basic needs of paycheck that was messed up and wondering where the money will come from or if the bills can wait while we get it straightened out. Thank you!! These reminders helped to calm me and focus on THE Provider.
While so many of us are stressing about politics, many of us are also dealing with very tangible day to day worries that have nothing to do with the election. I appreciate your reminder of that. I am lifting you and your finances in prayer today. May God show you his provision and grant you his peace.
Thank you
Katie,
Praying for a quick solution to your paycheck problem. May God provide the needed money-plus some peace and calm to your weary soul!
Blessings π
Thank you Bonnie for using God’s Word to help us…indeed the most effective anxiolytic for the soul and best motivator. The outcome of the US election will have global effects but the direct effects will be felt so much more by Americans. Hugs and prayers for all living in the US…from Australia.
What a beautiful and calming article! I have been conscious of feeling election stress and during my prayer time God has been offering me peace, but I struggle to hang onto that. I appreciate your tangible suggestions and inspiring scripture passages. You have really been “the hands and feet of Christ” to me with this post and I appreciate it!
Thank you for this. I have been full of stress and doubt, praying for guidance. In the end, God is in control. Bless you.
Bonnie,
This election more than any other I can remember is negative. All you hear and read is the candidates bashing each other. I basically don’t look at social media & 24/7 news feeds. I watch CBS This Morning and when the election stuff comes on I just fast forward. Don’t need to upset myself. I have already cast my vote and now all I sit and pray. If asked by others I will give my opinions, but I prefer not to discuss politics. I would rather shine the light on the goodness of God and what He’s done for me!
Whoever wins this country is in trouble, I feel. Praise God for us Christians the end is clear and we win!!
Blessings π
Once again Bonnie Gray finds the words I feel deep in my soul. This blog doesn’t just apply to election stress, it’s a keeper for other seasons of stress in our lives too. Thanks.
It is the day after the election and I found myself seeking comfort and encouragement, and I am so glad that God led me to this website! Bonnie, the scriptures used in this article and your words hit me right in my heart and I’m sincerely grateful for your post. Please keep posting and know that you are being used in an awesome way!
Stumbled upon this article! What great scriptures and great truths you have shared! π thank you and god bless! Shalom!
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