Aunty, I’m suffering such anxiety about the American election! What can I do?
4 November 2024 |
Dear Aunt Sevvy,
I’m feeling extremely anxious—so anxious that it is making me sick—about the American election tomorrow. The last decade or two has seemed to me to be a fraught time in our country’s history. Worse, the disagreements on the political level have reached their evil tentacles down into our families and friendships. Even my husband and I are in a tense disagreement over what should happen next!
I won’t say who I hope will win, but it does seem to me that this election is (to use the phrase often said by broadcasters) a watershed moment.
Aunty, what can I do?
Signed, High Anxiety
Dear Anxiety,
Christians have often tried to suss out from prophecy God’s plan for what will or should happen to the kingdoms and governments of the world. This election has been no different. More preachers than ever before have weighed in with their opinions and recommendations.
Aunty believes that effort is largely futile, though. If God does have a plan, preachers don’t know it. None of the prophetic interpreters predicted World War II, the most tragic war in world history.
Aunty thinks that the best way to deal with your anxiety is to meditate and pray on something Jesus said (this version from The Message):
“Don’t let this rattle you. You trust God, don’t you? Trust me. There is plenty of room for you in my Father’s home. If that weren’t so, would I have told you that I’m on my way to get a room ready for you? And if I’m on my way to get your room ready, I’ll come back and get you so you can live where I live” (John 14:1-3).
So often we lose sleep about things that never happen! Since there are enough real tragedies political leaders create (just ask the Palestinians in Gaza), plus the real life tragedies that are the fault of no one (cancer comes to mind), let’s try not to suffer trouble until it comes our way. Jesus has promised to be with us and give strength and wisdom for every part of our journey.
And no matter what happens in this world, we have the assurance of our Heavenly Father’s home—the hope of every believer.
As for Tuesday: should you find yourself overwhelmed with anxiety, Aunty suggests you turn off your television and phone, brew a cup of tea, pray for the peace that passes understanding, then read a diverting book or take an autumn walk. You’ll have plenty of time later to find out the results.
Aunt Sevvy
Aunt Sevvy has collected her answers into a book! You can get it from Amazon by clicking here.
You can write to Aunt Sevvy at DearAuntSevvy@gmail.com. Your real identity will never be revealed.
