According to the Center for Responsive Politics, the 2020 presidential election saw $7.2 billion in spending. —CNBC
(All that spending just to get a job that pays $400,000 per year? Go figure!)
During any election cycle, thousands of people are vying for positions of power across the world. They saturate our lives with billboards, yard signs, bumper stickers, debates, radio, and TV ads. And now a constant flood of social media crashes down on our brains and emotions like a never-ending tidal wave.
Who will win: The candidates with the most money? The contenders with the best strategies? The nominees with the luck to catch the latest wave of social opinion and ride it to election day? Well, yes, that’s how elections are won… At least, that’s how we see it on the earthly stage. But from the account of Daniel and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, we see that’s not the whole story.
Mighty King Nebuchadnezzar was probably the most powerful person in history up to that time. And yet, he was deeply troubled by a dark dream he could not understand.
The dream was delivered to the King by angelic beings who set the prophecy in stone.
The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people. (Daniel 4:17)
In the midst of election insanity, verses like this should hit believers in the face like a cold splash of ice water, jolting us back to our senses. The Most High is sovereign (to be “sovereign” is to be in charge)… over all kingdoms on earth (not some, but all)… and gives them to anyone he wishes (anyone).
This is not cliché. This is not some weak solution to comfort the losers. This is powerful Truth! How are elections won? Elections are won by God. God, who loves the world so much that He gave His only Son. God, who is incredibly interested in this nation and all nations on earth. God, who is always working all things for our good.
Our God is King not only of the heavens, He is King of the kings of the kingdoms as well. Yes, we cast our votes. We participate in the process. But God and God alone make the sovereign choice of who He will give those kingdoms to.
Most High God, I do believe that You are in control of this election. Please help my unbelief. Give me the willingness and the ability to rest in this fact. Filter out the voices of fear and manipulation that seek to influence me on an earthly level. May your grace and love toward me be my peace and strength throughout this season and always. Amen.