How to find peace and contentment this election cycle

By Tuesday evening, millions of Americans across the nation will have voted on a wide variety of races and issues. Many voters have referendums on their ballots that could result in new election methods, raised minimum wages, and drug legalizations. 10 states will vote on abortion-related legislation, 11 states will elect a governor, 33 states will elect at least one US Senator, and every state will contribute to electing the next President of the United States. 

Without mentioning the host of other state and local positions on every American’s ballot, it is evident that Tuesday’s election will have consequences that shape the nation’s future. For many voters, their decision in the ballot box is shaped by issues closer to home like how their access to medication might be affected, if crime rates in their neighborhood will change, and if they can expect to spend more or less at the grocery store.

The numbers show that Americans are feeling the weight of this election, with 7 in 10 Americans experiencing election anxiety. Dr. Jim Denison recently highlighted a few of the primary stressors, including a broad distrust in the media, concern for the future of the nation, and the lengthy, constant flow of political advertisements and information. 

Solutions to the anxiousness and division that is felt across the nation vary according to the politician or media outlet that you listen to. Depending on the outcome on Tuesday, you may be told to “fight” or to live in fear, but you likely will not hear anyone tout the biblical solution: contentment.

Five key characteristics of biblical contentment

For believers, contentment is the quality of being satisfied because of a continual trust in the Lord and his sovereignty. Here are five key characteristics of biblical contentment and how understanding them can help us find peace and joy, regardless of  Tuesday’s election results.

• Contentment is not apathy. Christians should still vote and seek the welfare of their community in their behavior (Jeremiah 29:7), and Christians should still care about the outcome of elections. But contentment makes a way for peace when the outcome might not be desirable. We can take our anger and frustrations to the Lord, who is sovereign over the nations and their rulers (2 Chronicles 20:6; Colossians 1:16-17).

• Contentment does not override biblical convictions. Rather, contentment allows us to be fully satisfied in Christ, even when our convictions are ignored by politicians or the majority of the voting body. We do not have to be joyful about ungodly policies being enacted, but we shouldn’t allow them to rob us of our joy either.

• Contentment transcends circumstances. In Philippians 4:11, Paul writes, “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” He goes on in verse 12 to say that contentment is the “secret” to facing any and every circumstance. With Godly contentment, we can have joy even when we start to feel the effects of legislation we disagree with, or when a political argument is sparked between family members.

• Contentment, for believers, derives from the supernatural peace of God, which surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). When guaranteed frustrations come our way, we have to choose between being driven by our human emotions or relying on the contentment that originates with the God of the universe. These next few days present an incredible opportunity to pray for peace and contentment for ourselves, those around us, and our nation as a whole.

• Contentment can be contagious. As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, Christians have a responsibility to be peacemakers and joy-givers in their daily lives (Romans 12:18; Hebrews 12:14). There will almost certainly be coworkers, neighbors, and family members invested in the election to the point of emotional distress. How can we be a source of contentment and hope to those who might need it?

Choose to be content

With doubt swirling and division abounding, our nation could use a solid dose of peace and contentment. As a supernaturally content people, Christians can choose daily to contribute to the healing of the nation rather than its fracturing. We can submit ourselves to God with joy and satisfaction since he already knows Tuesday’s outcome and the down-road effects. 

This week, replace stress and anxiety with peace and contentment, and find rest in the arms of our loving and sovereign Father. If you’d like some help with this, check out the following resources: 

• Peace in Politics Podcast – First15.org
• Peace in Politics Guided Prayer Videos – First15.org
• Peace in Politics E-Book – First15.org
• Politics Simplified: A Free Family Guide – ChristianParenting.org
• The Denison Forum Podcast – Faith Over Fear in Politics and Life with Special Guest Josh Miller
• Denison Forum’s Election 2024 Page
• Article: How can Christians respond redemptively to election turmoil?