By Brandon Lemons
In one week, a new President will be elected, along with countless other politicians around the country. It may take a while to sort out election results, and there is sure to be wrangling over the outcomes of at least a few elections. For some people, there will be a major sense of joy and relief; for others, it will feel like the sky is falling.
As I reflect on the election process, I can’t help but think of the value of lamenting. Before getting into why I say this, let me make a few clarifications. Voting is a tremendous right that Americans have, and we should not take it for granted. I encourage you to vote and to let the values of the Bible, and especially of Jesus, shape how you vote. God appointed human governments to provide structure for society, and I appreciate the wisdom of how American’s founders fashioned our government. In all I am about to say, I say it with a spirit of gratitude for the system of government we have in America, which includes the participation of common people like you and me. The reality, though, is that our government operates within a broken world.
The election season highlights the value of lamenting. Lamenting means pouring out our heart, especially to God, when circumstances are disappointing or difficult. Whenever we recognize a gap between God’s ideal and the realities of this broken world, it’s an invitation to lament.
As I think about politics and elections:
I lament that we live in a world where evil wreaks havoc in people’s lives.
I lament that in politics, the sinfulness of human nature causes individuals and groups to look exclusively to their own interests rather than doing what is truly best.
I lament that there is no political party or candidate that perfectly represents Jesus.
I lament that we can’t always trust what people say but instead must wonder what is being withheld, twisted, or made up.
I lament that there are wolves in sheep’s clothing who deceive, use, and hurt people.
I lament that even when well-meaning people believe they are doing the right thing, they can be wrong.
I lament the way political differences generate animosity among neighbors, friends, families, brothers and sisters in Christ, and strangers.
I lament unintended consequences – that when someone strives to do something good that has positive benefits, it often produces negative side-effects as well.
I lament that complex topics are difficult to address and are frequently oversimplified into sound bites and hot takes.
I lament that labeling and demonizing people is so much easier than treating them as God’s image-bearers to be listened to and loved.
I lament that we are relentlessly bombarded by negative and fearful media, which drags us into a pit of anxiety and stress.
I lament that we live in a world where people are fearful of the outcome of an election.
I lament that we live in a world where there are legitimate concerns about the future.
The list could go on. I imagine you thought of a few of your own.
Why am I saying all this?
I want to help us have language to express our frustrations when they arise – even from the outcome of Tuesday’s election. I know there will be people at Friedens who are dismayed by the outcome, regardless of which way it goes. In those cases, lament is appropriate and biblical.
The other reason I share this – the main reason – is to turn our eyes to God. He is the true King. In the words of Psalm 2, “the nations rage” even as God sits on His throne. Regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election, God is still on His throne.
Our hearts yearn for shalom, which is the rich Hebrew concept of wholeness and flourishing. When we cast a vote, we aim to elect the candidate we believe will move our nation toward shalom. Yet our world is still broken, making glimpses of shalom fleeting. What we truly yearn for is the new heavens and new earth, which are pictured in Revelation 21:3-4. The apostle John writes: “I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Whether we know it or not, we yearn for “the old order of things” – that is, this broken world – to be replaced by the ultimate shalom of heaven, where everything thrives under the rule of God, who is the true King.
So even as we cast our votes and await election results, may our hearts cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
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