Donald Trump isn’t going to save you and neither is Kamala Harris

As we walk further into an already tumultuous election year there seems to be a lot of anxiety about the future of America. Trust me, I feel it too, especially after the presidential debate earlier this week. And this election matters a lot to me — it’s the first presidential election I’ll get to vote in since becoming a citizen in late 2020.

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are pulling out all the stops so mentions of their name and what they stand for are everywhere. And even Instagram, which once felt like a reprieve (if you remember the early and glorious days of the app) is filled with political discourse or dance-filled Reels set to candidate speeches.

I don’t know if you’ve ever watched the West Wing, but I watched it for the first time recently and fell deeply in love with the way politics was portrayed. I know it’s a show, but it felt like the administration and congressmen portrayed were there to help Americans, to do the best for Americans, and to collaborate across the aisle to get the job done.

All I see today is bickering, name calling, and an ugly display of privileged superiority on both sides that has led to many Americans idolizing the candidate they want at the helm.

Well, here’s the reality. No candidate is going to save you. Only Jesus Christ will.

You see, Donald and Kamala? They’re human and they’re going to fail us. In fact, they’ve already failed Americans in their separate political careers. But Jesus? He’s never failed us. In fact, He gave His whole life for you and for me. And because He lives, you and I have the hope we need for tomorrow.

I’m so grateful that because of Jesus Christ my future is in His hands, whatever happens this November. And if the last eight years have been any indication, we need to set our sights directly on God and let Him take the lead of our tomorrow.

So how should you vote? I’m not here to give you the specific answer. All I’ll tell you is that the candidate who best supports the policies that you and you alone want to see enacted is the one who deserves your vote. In fact, make that the focus of your vote in November and stand by it. Yes, the individual at the helm makes a difference, but the policies they support and plan to push forward are what matters most. Those are the things that will impact the generations to come.

More importantly, don’t vote for a candidate because an influencer (singer, actor, etc.) told you to or because that’s who they’re voting for. Vote for a candidate because it matters to you. Vote because you want to see change that you alone believe their policies can bring. Vote because it’s a privilege that this country offers its citizens (something several others don’t).

“But my vote doesn’t count!” Good one. If you choose not to vote, then you don’t get the space to condemn whoever is at the helm. Use your voice because it matters.

And the last thing I’ll mention: pray for these candidates no matter if you’re for or against them.

The Bible reminds us in 1 Timothy 2:1-2, “I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority…” Lift them up, they need it!

And if you’re struggling with anxiety about the next four years and what life will look like come November, I leave you with the verse that has carried me through many an anxious moment, Psalm 16:7-9:

“I will bless the Lord who counsels me—even at night when my thoughts trouble me. I always let the Lord guide me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my whole being rejoices; my body also rests securely.”

Until next week,