As the election looms near, many of us are feeling the weight of the uncertainty it brings. For women, immigrants, and marginalized communities, the stakes feel especially high, as policies and rhetoric have significant and tangible impacts on daily life. Each news cycle stirs up more tension, and each appearance brings fresh reminders of what could be lost or gained. In the face of this swirling anxiety, where can we, as people of faith, find peace?
It’s natural to feel unsettled when the future seems to hang in the balance. But in these anxious times, it’s also an invitation to root ourselves more deeply in Christ. The world has always been uncertain, but God’s presence and promises remain steadfast. The Scriptures offer us guidance and strength that can sustain us through any trial, including the pressing concerns of an election season.
Anchoring Ourselves in Christ’s Steadfast Love
One of the first things we need to remember is that God’s love for us does not depend on the outcomes of earthly events. As Paul writes in Romans, “I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future… nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39). The love of Christ is unshakeable, unaffected by politics, and transcends every human power. In these words, we are reminded that no policy or person can disrupt God’s abiding presence with us.
Jesus himself lived during a time of great political tension and oppression. The Roman Empire held power, and the people of Israel were subject to the whims of a system that often worked against them. Yet, Jesus never pointed his followers to political solutions for salvation or peace. Instead, he invited them into a new way of being that didn’t depend on power structures but on love, compassion, and justice rooted in God. Jesus understood the trials his followers faced and acknowledged their fears, but he constantly redirected them back to a greater truth: God is sovereign, and our worth and security come from Him.
Ways to Cope with Uncertainty Through Faith
Here are several Christ-centered practices that can help us cope with the stress and anxiety of uncertain times:
- Turn to Scripture for Comfort and Reassurance
When fear starts to overwhelm us, God’s word is a wellspring of comfort. Psalm 46 is a powerful reminder of God’s presence in times of trouble: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea” (Psalm 46:1-2). Reading and meditating on Scripture can remind us of God’s sovereignty and goodness, helping to steady our hearts. - Practice Centering Prayer and Meditation
One of the most effective ways to quiet an anxious mind is through prayerful meditation. Centering prayer is a simple yet profound way to open ourselves to God’s peace. By focusing on a sacred word or phrase, such as “peace,” “love,” or “Jesus,” we can let go of distracting thoughts and rest in the presence of God. This practice reminds us that we are deeply loved and known, and that God is with us, no matter what unfolds. - Engage in Community and Find Strength Together
We are not meant to go through hard times alone. Seek out fellow believers, friends, and family members who share your concerns, and lift each other up in prayer and encouragement. Remember that Christ is present when two or more are gathered in his name (Matthew 18:20). By coming together, we can remind each other of God’s promises and encourage one another to keep faith and hope alive. - Serve Others to Find Purpose and Perspective
When anxiety begins to feel overwhelming, sometimes the best way to find relief is to turn our attention outward. Engaging in acts of kindness, especially for those who are even more vulnerable, is a way of embodying Christ’s love and compassion. In Matthew 25, Jesus reminds us that when we serve “the least of these,” we serve Him. When we focus on helping others, we not only bring God’s love into the world but also experience a deep sense of peace and purpose. - Embrace Hope in Action
Let us not confuse passivity with faith. Faith can, and often does, call us to action. Jesus was not afraid to stand up for justice, to speak truth to power, or to defend the marginalized. In these anxious times, we can take concrete steps to support our values, whether that means voting, educating ourselves on the issues, advocating for those who may be impacted by policy decisions, or engaging in dialogue with those around us. Our actions, grounded in love and justice, can be expressions of hope.
Trusting in God’s Eternal Kingdom
Finally, it’s important to remember that while earthly governments come and go, God’s kingdom is eternal. We place our ultimate hope not in any political outcome, but in God’s eternal promise of justice, peace, and love. Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). This prayer reminds us that our highest allegiance is to God’s kingdom, a kingdom where all are valued, all are loved, and justice flows like a mighty river.
In the end, no election or political party can bring about the fullness of God’s kingdom—that is God’s work alone. But we can be instruments of His peace and love in the world, regardless of who holds power. We can let our lives reflect the values of Christ and trust that God is, and always will be, in control.
A Prayer for Anxious Times
Gracious and Loving God,
We come to You with hearts weighed down by uncertainty and fear. We confess that we do not always know how to respond to the world around us, but we trust that You hold all things in Your hands. Help us to anchor ourselves in Your love, which surpasses all understanding, and to find comfort in Your presence, which is never far from us.
Guide us, Lord, to be agents of Your peace. In moments of anxiety, remind us to turn to You in prayer. In times of division, let us be vessels of reconciliation. Strengthen us to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with You, our God.
We lift up those who are vulnerable and afraid, those whose lives may be impacted by the outcome of this election. Surround them with Your peace, and equip us to stand in solidarity with them. Remind us that we are one body in Christ, bound together in love, and that in Your kingdom, every person has worth and dignity.
As we walk through this uncertain time, help us to trust not in human powers but in Your eternal promise of justice, mercy, and grace. May Your Spirit sustain us, and may Your peace dwell within us, guiding our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Rev. Allison Burns-LaGreca
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