We get so carried away with red, white, and blue desserts, parades, picnics, and fireworks that it’s easy to forget that the 4th of July isn’t just a day for relaxing. It’s Independence Day—a day for celebrating our nation’s history, namely our independence from the British Empire.
When I look at the political section of the news these days, I typically don’t feel like celebrating. There’s so much drama, corruption, immorality, fiscal irresponsibility, interpersonal discord, and disconnect from the true needs of the American people that I feel discouraged instead.
If you’ve ever felt this discouragement, then you know it doesn’t accomplish anything. It just leaves us feeling awful and apathetic. Is it inevitable that we’ll feel this way in our current political climate? Not necessarily. I think we can take a proactive approach that will help us remain hopeful despite our nation’s political challenges.
How to avoid feeling discouraged about politics
Remember that God is in control
Though many of our political leaders make decisions that are contrary to the principles set forth in Scripture, they don’t do this outside of the sovereignty of God. God is still in control (1 Chronicles 29:11-12, Psalm 135:6, Proverbs 19:21, Isaiah 45:6-7, and John 19:11a). God sees and He has the final say regarding what happens. I don’t know the mind of God, so I can’t explain why He lets certain things happen and prevents other things from happening, but I do feel assurance knowing that He remains in control and that His plans for us are good (Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28).
Take action to create change
We are not at the mercy of our political leaders. In reality, they are at the mercy of our votes. In other words, we shouldn’t let discouragement lead to apathy because we actually wield great power. There are little things and big things we can do to influence what happens in politics.
- Vote
- Write to government officials and attend the forums they host
- Attend rallies and other events
- Volunteer with a campaign
- Get to know neighbors, share ideas with them, and listen to their ideas
- Run for office
- Write opinion pieces for local newspapers
It is a great blessing to live in a nation where we have this sort of influence. We shouldn’t take this lightly by squandering opportunities to make an impact!
Take a break from the news and social media
Most news organizations function as businesses. They need to make money from advertisers, so they will do whatever it takes to get viewers or readers. No wonder political news stories are so sensationalized! Instead of objectively presenting the facts, they present dramatized accounts in order to attract viewers and readers. I think some of the discouragement we feel could be eliminated if we were able to get news in a non-sensationalized manner. We may not be able to find a good, objective source for news, but we can take periodic breaks during which we don’t watch news programs or read articles. These sorts of breaks can be very refreshing!
Sometimes we also need to take breaks from social media. There is a lot of political content on social media and a lot of unproductive debates take place there. By taking breaks, we can avoid getting weighed down by the constant political bickering and perhaps even preserve friendships that we’ve nearly severed because we’re struggling to handle the political views or constant outspokenness of the friends.
Remember that this world is not our home
Someday we will reside in a perfect place where we’ll have perfect leadership. As we face the struggles before us today, we can be inspired and encouraged by thinking of eternity. We await a new heaven and new earth in which righteousness will dwell (2 Peter 3:13). Jesus went to prepare a place for us (John 14). We’ll no longer know pain, death, or mourning (Revelation 21). The hope we have from this knowledge doesn’t eliminate the challenges we face today, but it allows us to take heart.
Final thoughts
I’ve been using these four strategies and I believe they have helped me maintain a more hopeful attitude towards politics. Taking a break from the news and social media has been particularly helpful!
Do you ever feel discouraged when thinking about the political climate in our country? If so, what things do you do to maintain hope?
I really enjoyed this post. I found it relevant with the 4th of July holiday just around the corner (now past). I had attended an exercise class with the musical theme of Independence Day and my spirits really sank when she played “They’re Comin’ to America” by Neil Diamond. It was sad and ironic, given that there are people detained at our borders and at least at the time, separated from their children. I know that the points you brought up are valid, especially the one reminding me that “God is in control.” Thank you for listing them and being specific with Scriptures. I was greatly encouraged that there may be a different outcome than what I fear.
I’m glad you were encouraged by the post, Mary. There’s definitely a lot going on that could leave us feeling uncertain and discouraged. It’s so great that we can turn to the Bible and find encouragement!
Hi Shannon,
So many of us are in need of posts like this! It really is a discouraging time, isn’t it? It makes me so sad to see the division – the negativity – the enemy working and laughing away as he pulls us further apart with the lies he specializes in. Thank you for sharing this hope!
Blessings,
Lori
Great point, Lori! Political divisions are a significant way that the enemy pulls us apart. There are many things that people of diverse political ideologies can agree on, but instead we focus on what we can’t agree on!