There certainly is plenty of uncertainty these days.  In fact, one of the certainties in this world is that there is constantly uncertainty.

Uncertainty has always been a given in our existence.  Yet COVID has been the harbinger of even more uncertainty than usual.  I don’t need to list off multiple examples; you are living daily in the midst of the unknown. 

As if we don’t have enough uncertainties already, we are just days away from a major election.  The nation will choose a president; states will select governors; districts will elect various representatives.  The entire political landscape could change dramatically. 

No one can be certain about whom will be elected.  No one knows what will happen in the streets of our nation afterwards.  No one can discern what drastic changes the election results will usher in, whether in government halls, in the stock market, jobs arena or our economy, in our society, or in the general morale.

Uncertainty abounds!  And uncertainty breeds fear and despair, anxiety and drastic measures.

Some seem determined to demonstrate publicly regardless the outcome; some are resolute on rioting.  Others undoubtedly will hunker down in their homes or businesses armed with prayers and loaded weapons.  Still others would consider migrating to Canada – one segment if one man is elected as president, another segment if the other prevails.  (Unfortunately for them, the Canadian borders are currently closed!)  Regardless of the outcome, we can be sure that there will be a significant portion of our country engaged in handwringing and cries of despair.

But that need not be us, no matter whom we want to see elected or how the ballots fall. 

I remember sitting at my desk in my first history class at the Christian high school I attended.   I was struck by the teacher writing “History is His story” on the board.  Of course, this has been true throughout the years, even if we humans don’t understand some chapters of the story.  This is still true, and it always will be true!  History … all of history (even this election!) … is God’s story.

Let me assure you that the Lord knows what he is doing.  He understands all things, he sees the entire picture, he controls everything, and he doesn’t make mistakes.  I know that some are convinced that it will definitely be disastrous if so-and-so is elected.  But they don’t realize, or are forgetting, that our God is the ultimate King, no matter who wins out on Tuesday.  And our Heavenly King doesn’t abdicate his authority to any ruler nor cede his control to anyone.

David, a king himself, was inspired by the Holy Spirit to write, “Dominion belongs to the LORD and he rules over the nations” (Psalm 22:28).  Later in the psalms we’re informed that, “The LORD does whatever pleases him, in the heavens and on the earth, in the seas and all their depths” (Psalm 135:6).

David’s son Solomon, also a king, wrote these inspired truths: “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps” (Proverbs 16:9).  Regarding chance or fate, Solomon assured us, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD” (Proverbs 16:33).

Nebuchadnezzar, the king of mighty Babylon, stated these words about the Heavenly King after the Lord humbled him significantly, “Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.  His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.  All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.  He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.  No one can hold back his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’”  (Daniel 4:34-35).

The Apostle Paul describes the Lord in this way: “God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see.  To him be honor and might forever.  Amen.”  (1 Timothy 6:15-16).

 All of which is to say – be at peace.  Be at peace as you watch the voting results unfold Tuesday evening.  Be at peace – no matter whom you “just know” needs to be elected, and despite the final results.  Regardless of how others react – be at peace.  Even if the Lord is giving Americans the hardships they “demand” by their rejection of Him, like God did when Israel desired a monarchy instead of the theocracy God had established (1 Samuel 8:6-7) … Christian, be at peace.  

It was by design that Jesus repeated the concept of peace to his people over and over again, both before his crucifixion and after his resurrection.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. … Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  In this uncertain world, there are few promises more comforting or encouragements more beneficial. 

So no matter what happens in regard to the elections, (or in regard to anything, for that matter!), you and I can relax in the peace God gives.  The Lord over all will still be over all even after the election results are in.

This is our certainty amid the uncertainty: the King of kings and Lord of lords still reigns!  Furthermore, he loves us, has saved us, and is guiding all things around us.  Therefore, we have peace.  Yes, even in regard to the elections!