Yard signs or true wisdom: Why we should pray for our vote

Wisdom and peace in the midst of a heated political season
We want to encourage all Christians to pray for wisdom during this wild political season. Praying for wisdom will provide personal peace and a clearer perspective on God’s providence and plan for these turbulent times.
 
Can we find peace in THIS political season?
Lisa and I discuss the coming election more than we have past elections. Current circumstances amplify the importance of national and local leadership as we navigate a historical transition for our country. Last week Lisa said she had peace concerning her vote. I was surprised. Where is peace during a political season vacillating on a pendulum between policies, pundits, and politicians? Peace is found in a posture of praying for wisdom.
 
Lisa has felt convicted to pray for wisdom regarding her vote instead of following yard signs, bias news, or political parties, as we all have too often in past elections.  She is challenging me to pray too. Now I am challenging you- Will you pray for wisdom before voting in this fall’s election? Most Christians are in the habit of praying for meals, before bedtime, or in difficult circumstances. Many Christians pray for our leaders and the election results. Few Christians pray for wisdom in voting preparation and political participation. Our temptation is to look for wisdom by listening to pundits and politicians alone. We ask you to pray to the Lord for wisdom before voting and in participating as a distinctive Christian presence in our current political culture.
 
Personal peace and a Trinitarian perspective
If your mind is made up, hands are thrown up, or fears flaring up- Pray for wisdom. Seeking wisdom will remind you of the sovereignty of God, re-orient your heart with the grace of God, and refresh your spirit through the counsel of God.
 
Wisdom offers a long view, reminding us of our Father’s sovereignty over history. God used leaders like Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, and Pilot for His purposes. The hearts of all leaders are like water in God’s hands, directed as God pleases (Proverbs 21:1). Our Father is working all things according to His will, even through this election season.
 
Wisdom re-orients us through the Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus is King over everything, ruling over what is seen and unseen (Colossians 1:16-18). Jesus is the treasury of wisdom (Colossians 2:3) and seeking wisdom mines the riches of His gracious rule over all things. Jesus was not elected king but declared king by His resurrection and ascension (Romans 1:1-5). Jesus will orient us with His graceful rule and reign when we seek wisdom.
 
Wisdom refreshes our spirit through the Spirit of God. The Spirit of Jesus is “the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” (Isaiah 11:2) The Holy Spirit is our counselor (John 14:26-28) and He will refresh you with counsel when you turn to Him.
 
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit promise to give wisdom generously to those who ask (James 1:5-8). Wisdom dwells with good judgment and discernment (Proverbs 8:12). Will you find peace through seeking wisdom, dwelling in the Persons and promises of the Trinity? Or will the turbulent times steal your peace?
 
Citizens of Heaven have peace- today
Christians are citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20) and are promised “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). As citizens of the United States, the most powerful country in history, we will not find peace in what we do but what has been done. Peace comes from our hope from Heaven, Jesus Christ. Secure in His love we are commanded to not be anxious and, with thanksgiving, to pray in all things. Peace will guard our hearts in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:4-7).
 
Worldly wisdom compels us to look for peace by guarding what we possess. God’s peace guards us in Christ when we pray and ask for wisdom. Take time to thank God for His sovereign grace and love as you ask for wisdom from above. Open your hands to give God your anxieties as you open your heart to receive His presence and promises. Thank God for the election we have in His love and for the freedom to vote in our nation’s election. Petition God for wisdom in both your voting and participating in today’s political culture.
 
Citizens of Heaven trust the headlines of our true Home more than the promises of politicians or the proclamations of pundits. Our Father’s Kingdom is a Kingdom of peace (Romans 14:17), Jesus is the prince of peace (Isaiah 9:6), and the fruit of the Spirit is peace (Galatians 5:22-23).  Ask the Lord for wisdom, His direction and desire for your vote, and you will experience His peace and enhance distinctively Christian participation in todays partisan climate.
 
Do you need direction in HOW to pray for wisdom? Scotty Smith offers a helpful prayer for wisdom HERE. Apply the prayer to this election season. If you need equipping in understanding who and what you are voting for take time to pray through the ballot here.  Most states will not find Kanye West on the ballot! But all Christians will find peace and godly participation in the political process when we humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him for wisdom.  Don’t be discouraged or confused by the plethora of yard signs, flags, and heated headlines in the coming days, but instead let them point you to true peace in a posture of prayer to the One True King. 
 
Will you join Lisa and I on this journey? Let us pray.