If you ask my husband whether I’m a worrier he’ll answer, “Yes!” In fact, he would probably say that if Olympic medals were awarded for worrying, I’d have a gold medal champion’s collection.
While most of my worries tend to toward the mundane: Will it rain today? Can I get a close parking spot? Will those shoes I ordered fit? Of late, I’ve been stewing about something of much greater importance – the upcoming presidential election.
No matter how often I remind myself that God is sovereign and that He’s got this, I still fret when I turn out the lights at the end of the day. What will happen if this candidate wins? How will our nation be changed? What will that candidate do about this important issue? How will my life and the future of our nation be impacted? Will that impact build us up or tear us down? What kind of nation will my grandchildren inherit?
Fret. Fuss. Stew. Worry.
There has to be a better way.
Well, in his book, Before You Vote, David Platt says there is a better way – a way that supports the unity of the church, recognizes the supremacy of Christ, and honors God. In the book, he proposes seven questions every Christian should ask before voting. He is not espousing one political candidate over another (and neither am I), he’s simple encouraging us all to remember that we – as Christians – need to pray fervently and think carefully about what we do and say as we strive to shine the light of God’s love into a world dark with hate, division, suspicion, pain, and cynicism.
It’s a short book, one that could be read in an hour or two – or even over a couple of evenings, but I believe it is valuable to consider – even if you just have time to skim and dip in here or there when something piques your interest.
On Platt’s website, he’s offering a free download of the book. And if you don’t have time to read a short book, then I encourage you to at least download the free calendar: 31 Days of Prayer Amidst a Presidential Election. Each day’s prayer has a Scripture reference to meditate on. Platt developed this prayer calendar for the previous election, but if you start with today’s date and simply pray through the 5th (Election Day), God will hear your heart. The link to the book is below. The prayer calendar can be found as a download on that page too.
May God bless you as you strive to honor Him with your vote, and may God bless America.
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