Grace Upon Grace

Psalm 62 for This Election Season

Election season is upon us.  Regardless of your political affiliation, anxiety and angst seem to be building.  To combat these negative emotions, I’m focusing on Psalm 62 for this election season.  In this psalm, we repeatedly find the phrase, for God alone.  

For God alone my soul waits in silence; from him comes my salvation.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.  Psalm 62:1

Psalm 62 for This Election Season

Unfortunately, we have the tendency to make elections about people.  We desperately want an individual to come in and save the day.  But perhaps we are confusing politics with religion.  We aren’t going to find a savior on the ballot.  According to Psalm 62, insecurity results when we rely upon people.  Consequently, it is God alone who produces confident trust.

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress.  I shall not be shaken.  Psalm 62: 5-6

For emphasis, repetition is used in Psalm 62.  Over and over, God is described as a rock, my salvation, and my fortress.  These words connote strength, security and protection.  God alone is the theme.  And what is my response?  Hope.  I will not be shaken because my hope rests in God alone.

Trust in God Alone

Instead of approaching this election season with trepidation, I must trust in God alone.

Trust in him at all times, O people, pour out your heart before him.  God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:8

God doesn’t change just because we are in an election cycle.  He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.  God will always be my refuge, no matter who leads our country.  Yet, my response is still to pray.  I am called to pour out my heart before Him.

Power Belongs to God

Once God has spoken, twice have I heard this:  that power belongs to God, and that steadfast love belongs to you, O Lord.  Psalm 62:11-12a

Unfortunately, we forget that ultimate power rests with God and not human beings.  Amazingly, just like a good wine is paired with a meal, God’s power and steadfast love are paired together.  God’s steadfast love is a loyal love, full of mercy and kindness, and can be traced throughout history.

Hope Results

Therefore, this election season, I will remember Psalm 62.  I will not fear.  Instead, I will place my hope in God alone, who is the source of my security and hope.

Dear Heavenly Father, I pray for our nation and our upcoming election.  I thank you for Psalm 62 and the peace and assurance You extend when I trust in You alone.  You are my rock, my Savior and my hope.  Amen.

Questions to Consider:

1. How can you promote hope and assurance to others during this election season?
2. Share with someone your commitment to vote, pray, and not be shaken, during this election cycle.