A few years ago, I was a political guru. I watched all the big-name podcasts, listened to clips from both political aisles, read presidential announcements, and discussed public policy with my husband every night (who, bless his heart, doesn’t even vote… oh, the patience that man has with me!). But once I became a mother and life required that I micromanage yogurt spills and potty accidents rather than global war crises, I didn’t have time to absorb global politics. Not only that, but I quickly realized how much freer my mind was when I didn’t have a play-by-play of global meltdowns.
Frankly, I don’t think we were made to mentally carry the weight of the world. However, the internet has pushed back against this idea, introducing us to catastrophes, weather disasters, death, and destruction, all seconds within our reach. Let's explore how Christians can engage with politics without becoming overwhelmed through faith-based ways to respond with wisdom, peace, and purposeful action.
Why Christian Voices Matter in Politics
In my Christian walk, I feel a holy honor to vote, to use the voice I’ve been blessed with in America to bring life to my opinions that will shape my children's future. Christians were never called to live as ostriches, sticking our heads in the sand for the sake of personal comfort. Thus, my soul cannot stay quiet concerning the evils of transgender operations/procedures/hormone blockers for children, and hearing anyone defend abortion makes my spiritual blood boil. I will always use my voice in the political sphere because I feel it is my responsibility as a human being, mother, and believer.
This requires that I remain aware of the political climate of our nation and the world, though certainly not to the extent I once had the time and desire to absorb. But even in this life season, with my limited research and news intake, I can say, for certain, that our government feels unstable.
What Should Christians Do When Politics Feel Out of Control?
Honestly, it feels less unstable and more immature, infected with people on both sides who would rather keep up their lunchroom fight than defend the God-given rights and freedom of God-fashioned people. This leads me (and you, I’m sure) to an unavoidable question: What am I to do when I’m just one vote? What difference can I make when President Trump doesn’t know my name? When the House and Senate, no matter their party, don’t care to ever know my name so long as I know theirs and cast my vote for their agenda? I have no control, so what does my voice matter?
As a simple stay-at-home mama with little more education than her English degrees and random knowledge of commas, plant propagation, and dye-free household products, I have a few ideas for the everyday American who feels powerless, voiceless, maybe a bit ignorant, and undoubtedly confused in today’s tumultuous political climate. Now, the first will sound a bit odd, maybe incorrect, or even disrespectful, but stick with me as I explain what has allowed me to not only break free of political stress but remain proactive in making a God-given difference as I lean into God’s calling on my life:
1. Laugh
I’m not joking (no pun intended). Laugh. When I hear of or see something outrageous that our administration has said or something the other political aisle morally endorses that makes my skin crawl, I’ve learned to chuckle, shake my head, and say—and truly mean—“God, help us.” Your body’s natural response to feeling overwhelmed by a selfish, uncontrollable government is to tense up. Your adrenal glands will respond. Your mind will enter fight-or-flight mode. And you’ll panic. Few of us function well, let alone do anything productive, when we are panicked. Our panic mode is biologically designed to help us quickly escape immediate danger, but unfortunately healing a nation’s government isn’t a quick fix, so there is no point in setting your body up for emotional irregularity.
Rather, allow laughter, God’s gift to our bodies and souls, to remind you how little control any of us have. Let your body’s scientific response to laughter calm your headspace so you can turn immediately to prayer for our leaders, to the God whose good hand can change the world in microseconds. Your prayer can be something like this:
“Lord,
I can’t control our government. I can’t fix our nation’s leaders. And I certainly can’t change their hearts. I pray you will turn our leaders’ hearts upside down and expose them to your light. Challenge them to do more and be more for your people, and may they submit their lives and their platforms to your high calling of sacrificial service and love. I praise your almighty name, Lord.
Amen.”
Practical Ways Christians Can Respond to Political Stress:
- Pray for leaders and governing authorities
- Stay informed without becoming overwhelmed
- Speak truth with grace and humility
- Focus on your personal sphere of influence
- Trust God’s sovereignty over every outcome
2. Recognize Your Sphere of Influence
I am a big WWII history nerd. I collect all the paraphernalia, watch all the movies, and even take free WWII history courses whenever online colleges offer them. So I certainly recognize the pure evil and danger of political leaders who are controlled by self and sin. Undoubtedly, I recognize that there is a time and place to push back and to resist governmental authority. God’s law is the final say.
Do what you can within your sphere of influence. When you are given opportunities to take action and speak up, do so. When I suggest that you laugh at the state of government, that’s not to say you should cast your calling to the wayside. It’s simply to say that if you learn to emotionally regulate yourself so you can calmly recognize and address today’s political climate, you are able to be proactive. You can healthily process ways to get uncomfortable, be brave, and make a lasting impact so the world looks a bit more like the place God originally intended.
Vote. Offer researched, respectfully relayed information when opportunities arise. Peacefully protest if and when you feel spiritually led. Righteously push back when necessary. God made us His warriors and gave us His spiritual armor for a reason. Freedom has never been free. It has always required that somebody somewhere get a bit uncomfortable and unashamedly stand against the wrongs of the world. Play your role in your high calling, trusting that God will place you where you need to be, when you need to be there. Ask for His clarity and boldness as you recognize your sphere of influence. Consider this prayer:
“Father,
Thank you for the country you have birthed me into, the community you have placed me in, and the family and friends I can speak life into. Grant me your discernment and wisdom as I recognize when and where I am called to speak up. May I do so with your grace and guidance as my guide, accepting that I’m not speaking to elevate my opinion but to proclaim your righteousness and glory for the world. Grow my sphere of influence where you see fit, and let me humbly lean into opportunities for growth and bravery. In your great name, God,
Amen.”
What Does the Bible Say About Hope in Uncertain Times?
Matthew 24:6-8 (NIV) says, “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
Friends, as the day draws near for God to return and restore the world forever, sin will rear its ugly head. It will fight the light in the worst ways. Yet, as we read in Scripture, Christ is saying that all of these awful things are the “beginning of birth pains.” I find that literary comparison beautifully intentional. It means pain is coming—deep, heavy, incomparable pain—but when that pain has run its course, we are left with the miracle of new life. We are left with joy unimaginable, with love indescribable, with a deep knowing that God’s goodness will forever reign. Pain and darkness won’t win. They simply can’t live in the face of God’s purifying, beautiful light. What a promise to hold to, no matter how unstable this world feels.
Friends, pray, take action as you feel led, and allow God’s character, His righteous victory, to rule in your heart, mind, and decision-making today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Christians and Politics
Should Christians be involved in politics?
Yes, Christians are called to be engaged in the world while reflecting Christ’s character, using their voice with wisdom, truth, and grace. Learn more about living faithfully in the world here: What Does It Mean to Be in the World but Not of the World?
How can Christians avoid anxiety about politics?
By staying rooted in Scripture, limiting overwhelming media intake, and trusting in God’s ultimate authority over all leaders and nations. You can also find encouragement here: 8 Powerful Bible Verses to Help You Overcome Anxiety or here: 20 Bible Verses for Encouragement When Fear, Anxiety, and Doubt Feel Overwhelming
Does God care about political leaders?
Scripture teaches that God is sovereign over all authorities and can guide, change, and use leaders according to His purposes. For deeper insight, read: What Does It Mean to Obey the Laws of the Land? or: Is Submitting to Government Part of Our Christian Duty?
(FAQ added by Christianity.com Editorial Staff)
Photo Credit: @Unsplash/Abigail Keenan
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