Tuesday, November 3, 2020. The last four years of politics in the United States have been leading to this momentous day in our 244-year history. It is truly a watershed election.

Because so much is riding on the outcome, it’s possible we’ll find ourselves becoming anxious as the night goes on. Will Trump win? Biden? Who’s ahead in the Electoral College? How many more states need to be called? What happens if my candidate doesn’t win? What if there’s no clear winner?

Rather than focus on the outcome itself, which many of us will be monitoring, I thought I’d offer five Bible verses to keep in mind as we watch the returns. Even if you’re not a hardcore believer, the biblical take on “kings and all those in authority” should help you keep a sense of proportion as we rest in God’s sovereignty.

Daniel 2:20-21

“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
    wisdom and power are his.
He changes times and seasons;
    he deposes kings and raises up others.”

Those verses from Daniel, along with Romans 13:1—

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

—make it clear that it is God who installs and removes our governing authorities. They are only in their positions of authority because God has allowed it. Jesus said to Pilate, “You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above” (John 19:11).

Our governing class, therefore, has a derivative authority. That means it comes from, and is rooted in, God’s transcendent authority. We the people cast our vote and elect our representatives, including our president, but in even a constitutional republic like ours, ultimate authority rolls up to God Himself.

If our ruling class understood this, they would not accumulate power as a divine right of kings, but would employ that power carefully, as the sacred trust that it is. They would then rule or govern justly as representatives of God’s wisdom, as the next verses attest.

Proverbs 8:15-16

By me kings reign
    and rulers issue decrees that are just;
by me princes govern,
    and nobles—all who rule on earth.

In these verses “Wisdom” is speaking (v. 12). Unfortunately, we all know too well that issuing “decrees that are just” isn’t a strong suit of our leaders today—which is why the next verse is sobering.

Proverbs 21:1

In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water
    that he channels toward all who please him.

The heart of the governor, ruler or king is at the disposal of the Lord. He can turn their understanding, will, and affections as he pleases—or not. A ruler may have one intention, but the Lord can easily override his intention. Because the Lord listens to the prayers of his people, we agree with Paul, who wrote to his disciple Timothy: 

1 Timothy 2:1-2

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.

We can be confident that, whatever the outcome tonight, it aligns with the intentions and purposes of God. It may feel frightening, given the developments over this year. But if we step back to get a broader view, we can see that in no way is God rattled by these events. “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord” (Proverbs 16:33).

Nothing escapes God’s will. No matter who wins election tonight, we can know that God has placed that man in that position of authority. We can then pray that the president governs wisely and that the hand of the Lord directs his heart for the good of His people and the peace of our nation.

[Image: “The Choice 2020: Trump vs Biden”; color added]