Hope Beyond the Ballot: Trusting in God, Not Government
As Election Day arrives, it’s easy to feel the pull of hope—or fear—around what the results may bring. Who will be elected? What policies will shape our future? Will things get better or worse? These are expected questions in our society that often looks to politics to bring hope, justice, and change. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to look deeper, to set our hope not on elected officials or governmental systems but on God’s eternal, unchanging character.
Psalm 33:4–9 offers a profound reminder of where true hope and confidence belong: in the Lord, who is faithful and mighty beyond any human ruler. In a world where political promises are often fragile and fleeting, this passage calls us to anchor our hearts and hopes in something far more reliable.
1. The Foundation of Our Faith: God’s Faithfulness (v. 4–5) “For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.”
The psalmist begins by declaring that God’s every word and action is right and faithful. Unlike politicians, whose words can be fickle or driven by agendas, God’s word is unwavering and pure. He is not swayed by public opinion, and His love for righteousness and justice never fades. The earth is filled with His steadfast love, a love that remains even when the world feels divided or chaotic.
In election seasons, we’re often tempted to believe that if “our” candidate wins, justice and righteousness will finally be realized. Yet this passage reminds us that God alone embodies perfect righteousness and justice. He doesn’t need a platform or position to carry out His will. Our peace, then, isn’t dependent on the success of any candidate or party; it’s rooted in the character of a God who is always faithful.
2. The Power of His Word: Creator and Sustainer (v. 6–7)
“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host. He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap; he puts the deeps in storehouses.”
God created the heavens and the earth with a word, and by His breath, He filled the skies. His power over creation is absolute—He gathers the vast oceans as easily as we might collect a cup of water. If He commands the forces of nature, how much more is He sovereign over the events of human history?
When we consider God’s creative and sustaining power, we are humbled. No president, governor, or political figure has authority over creation itself. We saw this in last week’s service when we waded into the text and saw how Jesus commanded the fish into Simon’s net (see Luke 5:1-11). While elections shape laws and policies, they don’t control the tides or direct the stars. God’s sovereignty stretches far beyond the reach of any government. Our hope, then, rests not in earthly rulers but in the One who made and sustains all things.
3. A Call to Awe: The Lord Is Worthy of Our Reverence (v. 8–9)
“Let all the earth fear the LORD; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him! For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm.”
Psalm 33 calls all people to fear the Lord and be in awe of Him. The psalmist points to a truth that should recalibrate our minds on Election Day: God is worthy of our reverence and awe. Political leaders, no matter how powerful, are still human. They may inspire us, but they will also fall short. Only God’s word can bring something from nothing and establish a reality that will endure forever.
As we approach the polling booth or watch the results come in, let’s remember that our primary posture should be one of reverence toward God. He is the true ruler of our nation, the one who commands and sustains, and His purposes will stand firm, no matter who is in office.
Placing Our Hope Beyond the Ballot
It’s not wrong to care about elections. In fact, we are stewards with a civic responsibility, and we should thoughtfully and prayerfully, but always remembering that our underlying identity and citizenship is in heaven. Those who place their hope in an election, run the risk of making an idol out of an individual. Not only does this smack of idolatry – a great sin against God, we also tether our peace to the ebb and flow of human institutions rather than to the unchanging reality of God’s reign.
As we cast our vote or reflect on the future this Election Day, consider the deeper hope Psalm 33 offers. Remember that God’s faithfulness, His power, and His worthiness transcend politics. Let your soul find rest in Him, and may His peace guide you, knowing that He holds all things in His hands—today, tomorrow, and forever.
In a world desperate for security, let us shine as people of unwavering hope rooted in the eternal character of our faithful God.