Monday, October 28, 2024

Election Anxiety

I’m a get ‘er done kind of person, so I decided to vote on the first day of early voting. I noticed the people as I stood in the line that weaved in and out. Everyone seemed calm, some even joking and some making small talk.

I was curious. What if I had walked around to each individual and asked the question: On a scale of 1 to 10, (10 being the highest), how anxious are you about the election? I have a feeling that if people felt the freedom to be honest, there would be a lot of high numbers.

Think about it. What stirs you about this election? What if your candidate doesn’t win? How do you deal with the divisiveness around the country? Is it the headlines, news, and tweets getting to you? Maybe you feel a bit agitated about the noise going on in your head. Election anxiety is real.

I return to a familiar verse as it can guide us through this crucial time: 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6

Don’t be anxious- In this verse, Paul, the writer, counters our fears and anxieties with a command: Do not be anxious! Don’t worry! The solution is to give these fears we carry over to the One who can do something about them.

Can you identify what you feel fearful or worried about? What brings the greatest concern about the election? Tell God exactly how you feel. He can handle it. He tells us we don’t have to be anxious about ANYTHING! God commands us not to worry!

In every situation- Wow, EVERY situation? So, no matter what I’m going through He promises to give me peace? Yes! God may not change my circumstance, but He will change how I respond toward it, so it doesn’t continue to cause inner turmoil. So, why would I continue to live with fear, worry, and struggle with anxiety when God promises a plan for EVERY situation?

Prayer and petition- In EVERY situation, we are to instead pray to God. God hears us!  As a Christian, I know that Jesus lives in my heart. I desire to abide in Him and He is in me. (John 15:4-11) I can talk to Him throughout my day and practice casting all my cares and concerns on Him. (For example: “Lord, help me with my fears about the election. Help me trust in You knowing You are sovereign over all, no matter what happens….”)  Remember, there is nothing too great and small that we cannot give to the Lord. He cares, listens, and answers our prayers.

With thanksgiving
- I THANK God for all that’s going on in my life! I literally practice giving Him thanks and praise because He is worthy! (Thank you, God, that we live in the United States of America. Thank You, God, for our freedoms. Thank You, God, for being faithful! Thank You, God, that You are good all the time.) Practice being a grateful human being!

The election is a week away. Don’t be anxious. Pray about everything. Give thanks in all things. We’re going to be ok. God is sovereign over all.

Nancy Abbott is the Chaplain of the YMCA of Greater San Antonio. 

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