Apparently I missed the memo from headquarters that delivered the message to all pastors and spiritual leaders in America to assure the people that we don’t need to worry about this election because God is on the throne. Max Lucado wrote an article for Fox News. Steven Curtis Chapman even wrote a song, “God is on the throne.” Pastors are tweeting and preaching. Don’t worry, be happy, God is still on the throne.

It reminds me of Pastor Lovejoy in the TV cartoon, The Simpsons, whose answer to anyone in distress is, “There, there.” It’s something to say when you don’t know what to say.

We are supposed to be comforted, knowing that no matter who wins the election, we’ll all be okay. God is sovereign. God is the King above all earthly kings. God is on the throne. The implied message is this election is not a big deal and your vote doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter who sits in the Oval Office since God is on the throne.

There, there.

These pious messages minimize our responsibility but they also minimize the threats facing our nation during this election. Anybody who thinks everything is going to be alright in America after this election is just not paying attention. No matter who wins the presidential election, these threats remain:

• Terrorism
• Mass migrations of people
• Nuclear war
• Instability in the Middle East
• Climate change
• $19 Trillion National Debt
• Deep mistrust and divisions in America

The Rest of the Story

God is in control. That’s true. But, it’s only half the message. There is a condition. We must be on God’s side. There is no comfort for those who reject God and proudly follow their own way. But, for those who humbly bow before God and seek to follow God’s ways, great blessing is promised.

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord,
the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

The message, “God is on the throne,” is good news for those who follow God’s ways. For those who don’t, be warned, “God is on the throne.” Psalm 1 gives a vivid picture of the contrast between those who walk with God and those who choose another path.

“For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous,
    but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.” Psalm 1:6

Also, God works through our free will. That’s why our vote matters. Not only does our nation honor our vote, so does God. God is in control. But, God is not a control freak who puts good leaders in office even though we elected immoral leaders. God can, but chooses not to turn a childish tyrant into a selfless, compassionate, reasonable leader. But, a selfish tyrant who falls to his/her knees and begs God’s forgiveness and humbly requests wisdom is a prime candidate to receive forgiveness, transformation and is on the road to being a great leader.

Abraham Lincoln understood this. When asked if he believed that God was on the union’s side, this was Abraham Lincoln’s response:

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side;
my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”

Yes, God is on the throne. But, we must decide who will be in the White House, the Congress, the state houses and city councils. You have a voice. If you have this precious right and privilege, Vote!

Read also:

Hope for 2017 – Checks and Balances

Note: The opinions expressed on this website are mine, informed by Scripture, reflection, discussion and prayer.
They may not be the views held by my church, which welcomes all, no matter how they vote, and takes no position on candidates or election issues.