Inflation, Israel and Hamas, Russia and Ukraine, global warming, assassination attempts, colossal hurricanes, and unending Covid 19. Recent headlines are filled with stories demonstrating we are living in chaotic times. Add to this the craziness surrounding the 2024 presidential elections and it is no surprise why, humanistically speaking, stress and anxiety are on the rise. However, through all the turmoil, confusion, and frustration Bible believing Christians need to recognize and remember God is in control.

Concerning the election, we are all entitled to our opinion and had the privilege of voting for the candidate we felt most closely resonated with our personal values. Regardless of who was voted in we need to remember, God’s word says, “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). We can take solace knowing that our new president has been predestined by God. “Therefore, it is necessary to submit to authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of consciences” (Romans 13:5). This does not mean Christians are obligated to agree with or follow any actions God calls sin. But we are to treat the office of the president with due respect. “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and mutual edification” (Proverbs 14:19). Remember, our hope is in Jesus and the Bible reminds us, “everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).

God’s hope helps us to stand against anxiety, worry, and fear as we trust in the Lord with all our hearts, lean not on our own understanding, and acknowledge Him in all our ways, knowing He will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). We can stand on His promise, “Fear not, for I am with you: do not be dismayed for I am your God” (Isaiah 41:10) no matter how crazy things may get.

God is in control, and He lovingly reminds those who believe in the biblical Jesus He will take care of us. In Matthew 6:25-34 Jesus tells us

…do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So, do not worry saying what shall we eat? Or what shall we drink? Or what shall we wear? For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

By faith we stand on God’s promises to care for us. Remembering, “faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command so that what is seen was not made from what was visible” (Hebrews 11:1-3). God implores us to demonstrate faithfulness, “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

There is no need to be worried or fearful about the world’s chaotic craziness or the outcome of any presidential election, when we remember God is in control. As Christ followers we are called to “run away from the evil desires of youth and try hard to have faith, love, and peace, together with those who trust in the Lord from pure hearts” (2 Timothy 2:22). So, I pray we all “Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it” (Psalm 34:14). For these troubling times my prayer for everyone is from Numbers 6:24-26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you: the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.” Amen.

Rick Winegar is a layman at New Life Christian Fellowship.