As the 2024 election unfolds, emotions are high, opinions are strong, and tensions often run deep. It’s easy to feel anxious and worried for the future. As a mom, I feel the weight of this season even more, knowing that the world my kids grow up in will be shaped by decisions made in this election. I find myself wanting to protect my family, and to ensure their future is secure, which causes me to worry. But with each headline and debate, I’m reminded that I serve a God who is seated on the throne not worried and not shaken – so I can hold onto peace during the election and teach my children to respond in love, grace, and trust.
Finding Peace in Our True Citizenship
It’s easy to get caught up in what will happen in the world after the election, but one thing that I have been reminded of is that this is not our home. Our citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” No matter who leads our country, we are part of God’s unshakable kingdom, and our true home is with Him.
As a mom, it’s important for me to teach my kids that while we care about our world and engage with what’s happening around us, our hope isn’t in politicians or policies. We find our security in God alone. This helps me navigate the uncertainties with peace and keeps me focused on what truly matters: raising my kids to know and love Jesus.
Setting an Example of Grace in Conversations
Election season can bring out a lot of difficult conversations. I know that I have been in heated conversations, especially around politics. I’m learning to ask myself, “What kind of example am I setting for my children?” In Ephesians 4:29 it encourages us, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Instead of letting anger or frustration take over, I want to model grace and kindness. Political discussions are a chance to show my kids how to listen respectfully and speak with love. When they see me responding with understanding, I pray they’ll learn to do the same, knowing they don’t need to compromise kindness to stand firm in their beliefs. This not only shows my kids how to respond in love, but it allows the person I am talking to see Jesus through me by the way I talk to them.
Trusting That God’s Plan Is Bigger Than Any Election
I’ll admit, I get overwhelmed thinking about how this election might impact my family’s future. But I find comfort in Proverbs 19:21, “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” As much as I want to be in control, I remind myself that God is in control, and His plan is good—even when I can’t see it.
I’m learning to surrender my anxieties about the future, trusting that God is working behind the scenes in ways I may never fully understand. This doesn’t mean I stop praying or caring, but it allows me to rest in Him, knowing that His purpose will prevail, and only He can bring me peace during this election.
Teaching Our Kids to Love, Even When It’s Hard
This season is a great time to model how to love others to our kids even when it’s hard. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commands us to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” That’s not always easy. But I want my kids to see that love isn’t just something we give to those who think like us—it’s something we extend to everyone.
When we choose to respond with love and respect, we’re teaching our kids to do the same. I pray they’ll grow up understanding that they can stand firm in their beliefs while showing kindness and empathy to others. People will not always think like me, but if I can show them and my kids that even though we don’t agree, Jesus still loves them and wants them then I’ve done my job. It’s not about winning the argument, it’s about loving people well and pointing them to Jesus – even when it’s hard.
Praying for Leaders and Unity as a Family
I had a pastor say once “If you’re not praying for your leaders then you have no room to criticize them.” That hit me hard. How many times have a complained about a leader, whether a boss or a president, but I haven’t prayed for them? How can I pray for peace during the election if I’m not praying for the leaders that are currently in office? Praying for our leaders not only helps us find peace remembering God is in control, but it also impacts them. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 encourages us to pray for those in authority, and that’s something we do as a family. We shouldn’t just pray for the leaders we agree with -we should pray for every leader. We pray for wisdom, discernment, and guidance for all leaders, trusting that God can work through anyone.
In a world where division is everywhere, I want my family to be a light of unity and peace. By praying together for our leaders, we remind ourselves that God is the ultimate authority and that He hears our prayers.
Finding Peace During This Election
This election may bring changes, but I’m learning that God’s peace is unchanging. I won’t have all the answers or be able control the future—but I can raise my kids in the love and truth of Jesus, pointing them to the One who is truly in control. No matter what happens on Tuesday, God remains on His throne, and we can find rest and peace in that truth.
This week, I’m praying for peace, for trust, and for wisdom through these times. Let’s focus on keeping our eyes on Jesus, showing our children and those around us what it looks like to rely on Him, and rest in the knowledge that His kingdom is our ultimate home.