Solomon and Election Year Politics

I’ve been giving some thought to this year’s Presidential election. I’ve also been trying recently to put into practice Solomon’s advice from Ecclesiastes.

Squaring the two realities has been good for my soul and for gaining good perspective in life. So I thought I’d pass along some “fresh bread”. Perhaps you’ll find some benefit too!

Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes 2:24-25:

There is nothing better for people than to eat and drink, and to find enjoyment in their work. I also perceived that this ability to find enjoyment comes from God. For no one can eat and drink or experience joy apart from him. (NET Bible)

This verse is the thrust of Ecclesiastes as it is a recurring theme throughout the book (see also 3:12, 22; and 8:15). Solomon is arguing that the only way to find true joy and satisfaction in life is to fear God and keep his commands.

This is to say that joy and satisfaction are sourced in God and not in the material world. Even if we amassed all that the world has to offer (as Solomon did), we would still find that deep down our souls remain frustrated.

The beauty of this teaching is that true satisfaction is available to everyone regardless of circumstance or socio-economic status. The reason is because of the common source. The person who places their hope, joy, and satisfaction in God can enjoy life despite trials and setbacks.

Yet without even realizing it we can place our hope in things outside of God and inside of this vaporous existence such as economic wealth, job security, fame, or individual talent and ability to get what we want.

Enter election year politics.

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Many on both sides of the isle are placing a great deal of hope in the outcome of this year’s election. To be sure, this year does hold special significance for the two men vying for the Oval Office hold vastly divergent world views and visions for America. We are a nation at a critical crossroads in our history. All this is fairly obvious.

But the question is, “Will I be okay if the guy I voted for does not win?”

I would like to think that somehow I’ve matured spiritually over the years – that circumstances do not hold sway over my emotions and perspective in life. I would like to think that all my hope, joy, and satisfaction in life are grounded securely in someone outside this universe.

But personal experience tells me that such is not always the case. Knowing the truth is not the same as applying it.

So here’s my recommendation moving forward:

1. Establish God the source of your hope, joy, and satisfaction.
2. Vote for the man who is more God-fearing.
3. Pray that God will appoint the leader we need and not the one we deserve.
4. Trust that God’s purposes are being worked out perfectly no matter the results.

Doing these things will enable us to apply Solomon’s wise counsel during a hotly contested election year. And it may even help us maintain proper perspective in life.