It’s hard to let go of what makes you anxious.
Matthew 6:34 – Do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.
The medical director of the emergency department at a hospital in San Jose, California, said his hospital is gearing up for an influx of patients suffering from “election stress disorder.” He told his staff to be “extra aware for those patients that are presenting with symptoms that could represent an acute heart attack or an acute neurologic disease like a stroke.”
No doubt, 2020 has been a stressful year for all manner of reasons. Stress and anxiety do manifest in physical and mental symptoms. The political divide and election have produced a tremendous amount of stress for Americans. Rather than prompting them to meaningful conversation, for many it has degenerated into name-calling, mud-slinging, rock-throwing, and even deadly riots. Even among many Christians, stress is not being well managed. At its bottom, stress leads to addictions, divorces, hospitalizations as in San Jose, and even suicide.
Among the many dynamics involved in dealing with your stresses, the most important one can be found in prayer. Even before everything else fails, pray that God would restore your peace. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
Pray With Us
Gracious Father, You are so good. You know how frail we are, but You never leave us without provision. Your gift to us of coming before Your presence in prayer is the stress reducer we all need right now. Restore peace to our hearts and minds. Restore a sense of calmness across America, according to Your will, we pray. Give that same peace to those who will be the ones to lead us over the coming years, for You are the God of All Peace. For the sake of Jesus and Your glory, Amen.
- Pray for newly elected officials as they prepare to take on the responsibilities of their new roles.
- Pray for your own personal clarity of mind, and that you would be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).
- Pray that God would help you and others to loosen your grip on your anxieties, letting go of them and placing them in the mighty hands of God.
- Be faithful to pray for those in authority over you, now and in the days to come.
- Pray for those dealing with election stress disorder to find faith in God as One who cares deeply for them.
