7 Devotions for Encouragement During Political Turmoil

The political turmoil of recent years can leave us feeling hopeless and discouraged. As much as we may try to avoid it, we see how it affects our lives and relationships in very personal ways. Once in the weeks before the 2020 election, I prayed for a man named Bill at church. He told me, with tears in his eyes, that a close friend had ended their friendship. Why? Because Bill had told his friend that he could not support the same political candidate as him. Bill’s friend was so incensed over a disagreement about voting that he was willing to set aside a lifelong friendship. My heart broke for Bill, but I knew his story was not the only one I had heard like it. I prayed that Jesus Christ would break through and mend that broken relationship.

The discouragement that grips us in the turmoil and rancor of the political arena is real. And because of sin and the brokenness of our world, no political platform fully represents what’s important to God. They all fall short—most of the time, way short. The apostle Paul affirmed that the authority of our leaders is established by our sovereign God (Romans 13:1-2), but neither our leaders nor our political parties are our salvation. Our salvation comes from God alone, through his Son Jesus Christ, and when we focus our eyes on him, we find ourselves lifted up, even in the face of bitterness and conflict in politics:

Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken. . .Trust in him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge (Psalm 62:1-2, 8).

Below are seven devotions affirming the kingship of Christ to help you find encouragement in the Lord during this politically difficult and discouraging time. Read one or more of these short reflections on your own as personal devotions, or share them aloud with family and friends.

The Creator King
One of the golden threads woven into the Bible focuses on the world’s true King. Who is this King, and what does true kingship look like on the earth?

King of Glory
We have to ask ourselves, “Is God welcome in our homes, schools, businesses, public offices?” Or is there a “Do not enter” sign posted in some places where we think we don’t need God?

Jesus, the Coming King
Jesus did not enter Jerusalem on a war horse but on a donkey, a lowly animal of peace that was also known as a princely mount. What kind of king was Jesus?

Redefining "King"
Jesus fulfills the world’s longing for a true king, but he also redefines what it means to be King. That is because the kingdom Jesus brings is wholly other—it comes from the very heart of God.

Costly Kingship
Truth is, none of us can bear the true cost of successfully leading God’s people. Bribery, smooth-talking, and manipulation may get us a position, but sooner or later our flaws and sin will find us out.

Christ’s Reign and Rule
Let’s look forward to the final day when the reign and rule of Christ is perfectly realized. In the meantime, let’s not forget that we are even now reigning with our Savior.

Kingdom Power
This scene between Jesus and Pilate is all about the power struggle between them. Pilate thinks he is putting Jesus on ­trial, but it turns out that Jesus is more interested in challenging Pilate than defending himself.

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