We live in a world of 24/7 access to news and information. Even if it isn’t about the next President of the U.S., constant media consumption induces anxiety. If you feel it, your children likely feel it as well. They may not understand why, but if everyone in their world is anxious (and angry) about the election, they will be anxious too.
The reality portrayed in the media is that our nation is divided: Left vs. Right, Blue vs. Red, Progressive vs. Conservative. But you know what? This isn’t the first time a nation has been divided. Scripture provides a narrative history of the rise and fall of kings and nations and the impact on the people of those nations. This history is non-biased because it is God-breathed, and God is the author of life and of time, and thus, He is the author of history.
The history told in Scripture matters for us today because God’s word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12) and useful for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16).
Christian parents have an opportunity and responsibility to use the living and active Word of God to teach children that God is sovereign over all of Creation and history and that he sets up kings and removes them (Daniel 2:21). Recognizing God’s sovereignty and rule is where peace amidst political chaos is found.
Here is how you can lead your family to this peace. [You can download a PDF guide with Scripture references HERE.]
Step One: Less Media
This step is easier said than done.
This is mainly because, in practice, less media means no media. While less is better than much, none is better than less. After all, it is only in the stillness and silence that God’s still, small voice can be heard.
This means we cut out or fast from any and all media sources that could potentially talk about the election and its candidates during this time – regardless of their political leaning. We do this for ourselves and our children.
Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10)
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (Colossians 3:2)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6:33)
Step Two: Modeling Obedience and Trust
Children mirror the emotional state of their parents. If you’re stressed, anxious, and triggered by news headlines about politics or the name of a certain candidate, then your child will reflect those same emotions.
However, when we cut out media, we can model both obedience to Scripture and trust in the Savior. Consider the following verses and whether or not they are manifest in your life as a believer in Christ in the current political climate:
Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. (Matt. 6:34)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God...(Phil 4:6-7)
In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him. (Eccl 7:14)
If our life fails to model obedience to Christ in these ways regarding politics, perhaps repentance is necessary. Inviting our children into our repentance is the best way to model what life as a redeemed believer looks like.
We must confess to our children and before God that we’ve been swept away by the things of this world: the political news and fear of the future based on who is President. Express that although I know God reigns over every nation and that every king (or president) is only given such authority by God, I neglected to trust God’s sovereignty. Finally, repent of anxiety (anger, animosity, hatred, fear) because those are not how God commands us to respond.
Our children need to know that (a) it is easy to be swept away, and (b) when you realize you’ve disobeyed, repentance is the appropriate godly response.
Step Three: More Scripture and Prayer
This is where media is replaced by Scripture….where fear is replaced with trust, and anxiety is replaced with peace.
Take time to read these passages of Scripture together as a family or one-on-one with your child. These, among others, emphasize God’s sovereignty over kings and kingdoms throughout the course of history. As you read them, seek to demonstrate that God’s sovereignty means that He is infinitely good and powerfully in control.
HISTORY
God’s Providence Over Pharaoh in Egypt
- The broad context of the Ten Plagues and the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart: Exodus 7:1-12:30
- The key verse where God explains that He established Pharaoh’s power for His ultimate glory: Exodus 9:13-16
The Rise and Fall of King Saul
- The earlier context of Saul’s disobedience: 1 Samuel 13:1-14
- The latter context reveals how far Saul had strayed from God: 1 Samuel 28:3-19
- The key verses recording Saul’s disobedience that leads to his rejection as king: 1 Samuel 15:1-28
God’s Sovereign Choice of David as King
- God rejects Saul and chooses David to be king: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
God Raises Up and Uses Cyrus, a Pagan King
- Isaiah prophesizes the purpose God has for Cyrus in restoring Israel: Isaiah 45:1-13
- Follow-up passage detailing Cyrus’ decree to allow the Jews to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple: Ezra 1:1-11
God’s Sovereignty Over the Crucifixion: Jesus & Pilot
- Jesus’ trial and conversation with Pontious Pilot before His crucifixion: John 19:1-16
- The Gospel of Matthew records the arrest and initial trial of Jesus before the Sanhedrin: Matthew 27:47-68
PRAYER
Read through the Scriptural commands to pray for and obey the leaders God has sovereignly appointed. This helps children (and adults) recognize their required submission to greater authority: first, God’s, then the government, rulers, and parents. Obedience is based on faith and trust in God’s sovereignty—not their lived experience or feelings.
1 Timothy 2:1-2
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.
Romans 13:1-7
Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God… This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.
1 Peter 2:13-17
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Titus 3:1-2
Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward everyone.
Matthew 11:17-21
Tell us then, what is your opinion? Is it right to pay the imperial tax to Caesar or not?’ But Jesus, knowing their evil intent, said, ‘You hypocrites, why are you trying to trap me? Show me the coin used for paying the tax.’ They brought him a denarius, and he asked them, ‘Whose image is this? And whose inscription?’ ‘Caesar’s,’ they replied. Then he said to them, ‘So give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.
Jeremiah 29:7
Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.
Hebrews 13:17
Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.
Then, obey these commands by praying for our nation, our leaders, and for every citizen’s heart to come to a knowledge of God. Pray against anxiety and fear in your heart and the hearts of others.
PREPARE YOUR HEART
Finally, before the election results are announced, we must prepare our hearts for peace by meditating on the following Scriptures.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure… think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up… (Ephesians 4:29)
But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord… (Jeremiah 17:7)
In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)
Peace amidst political chaos is easily found when we start with Scripture.
PRO TIP: Download this PDF guide to print for screen-free access to the Scripture references!
