5 Ways to Respond to the Political Chaos
May our lives shine as a light in the darkness. May our words bring calm to the chaos, and may we reflect Jesus in everything we say and do in these crazy days.
Breaking news…or not. We’re living in political chaos.
The whole thing leaves me exhausted and deeply saddened. The angry conversation on social media—often based on misinformation—boggles my mind. As I’ve thought about what to write in this week’s blog, I feel compelled to address what we’re experiencing. Not doing so is like sticking my head in the sand and pretending it will all go away in due time.
It’s not my intent to use this space to take sides or make this about my opinion. I’m just processing what’s happening and considering ways to respond in a way that honors Jesus, and I’m inviting you to join me on this journey.
My list of ways to respond well to the political chaos around us is by no means complete. No doubt you have suggestions, too, so feel free to contribute your ideas in the comments section, okay? Here goes:
Remember who the real enemy is
Opinions are sharply divided about who’s right and who’s wrong and why. When we’re convinced that our perspective is right, it’s easy to regard someone with different ideas as the enemy.
Amid the fray and fallout, let’s remember that the person with a different opinion is not our foe. Satan is our real enemy, and he’s on the prowl. He’s looking for ways to destroy Christ’s family from the inside out, and he’ll succeed unless we remain on guard against his wicked wiles.
Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8)
Remember that godly wisdom is pure and peace-loving
As we sift through the political chaos, we might feel compelled to share our insights with others. While there’s nothing wrong in doing so, let’s be wise in our approach.
Godly wisdom is pure and peace-loving. Telling others they’re flat-out wrong, resorting to name-calling, or cutting people off does not reflect godly wisdom. No matter which side of the fence we’re on, we have a responsibility to be blameless and peace-loving in our discussions.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. (James 3:17-18)
Remember the power of the tongue
Our tongue is a mighty tool with the power to create upheaval or promote healing. Before we engage in discussions, let’s ask ourselves whether the words on our tongue are true, helpful, and necessary.
Here’s a brief “Devotions from the Dock” video I created recently on this topic. Take a listen and then measure the words on your tongue against the acronym “THINK.”
People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. (James 3:7-8)
Remember that only God sees the whole picture
We hear news reports and watch events online, but we don’t see what’s happening in the heavenlies where spiritual forces are doing battle.
So many voices on social media are presenting their insights as absolute truth, but only almighty God sees the whole picture. He has eternal purposes in mind, and Satan is trying his utmost to overthrow them. Ask God for His perspective, and exercise caution when considering the credibility of those other voices.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. (Proverbs 3:5)
Remember to let the Holy Spirit fill and control us
Amid the political chaos around us, fear and frustration and our perceived need to be right can easily fill and control us. Nothing good comes from that.
When we place our faith in Jesus for salvation, the Holy Spirit comes to live in us. Let’s not grieve Him by getting sucked into the vortex of the chaos. Instead, let’s ask Him to fill us with His beauty, control our thoughts, and shape our beliefs to align with His truth.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! (Galatians 5:22-23)
Now, more than ever, may our lives shine as a light in the darkness. May our words bring calm to the chaos, and may we reflect Jesus in everything we say and do in these crazy days.
May I pray for you?
“Father, we confess our need to be right and our frustration with those who don’t share our opinions. Help us remember that we’re not fighting against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Help us remember, too, that You are working out Your eternal purposes and we can trust You. Give us wisdom to know how to respond in a way that reflects Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
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The news headlines tell us that we’re living in unbelievably chaotic days. My latest devotional books provide biblical hope and encouragement when our minds feel like they’re on overload.
Available wherever Christian books are sold or order your autographed copies here.
Oh Grace,
Thank you so much for this. I spend my early mornings in prayer and meditation. My heart hurts so much these days but I know I must keep putting my trust in God because He sees all, He knows all and He loves us all. So much more I want to say but I will simply say thank you again for this post. I truly needed it!
You are loved as well!!
Genevia
Hi Genevia:
The current state of affairs weighs heavily on my heart, too. The enemy wants so much to wreck us, but let’s not give him the satisfaction. Keeping our eyes on Jesus and living in a way that honors Him is what we must do. Blessed are the peacemakers.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you for helping us navigate this chaos. I also don’t want to put my head in the sand, but pray for God’s wisdom & guidance, knowing that He is in control & the outcome will be according to His will. Reading through the Psalms encourages me very much.
Hi Marj:
Thanks for commenting and sharing your thoughts about how to navigate this journey. The Psalms contain so much hope, and they show us that it’s okay to lament. They certainly show us how to keep our focus where it belongs — on God, the One who is righteous and just and never fails His children.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thanks for addressing this topic of political chaos today Grace. I think we are all weary, anxious and frustrated with how things are right now. I try to not watch the news (I have since the start of covid) as it just pushes the anxiety button and anxiety is something I tried to avoid as much as possible! Unfortunately there is so much unrest locally, provincially, nationally and worldwide that it’s hard to shut out all the shouting about what’s going on at every level! It’s a great daily reminder for us all to remember who is really in control…who can really calm the chaos…who really loves us and who really has the master plan for all our lives! One day at a time…one moment at a time…we will get through this with God by our side.
Blessings to you and all your readers…
Jan
You’re welcome, Janet. I hesitated for awhile, but I figured that, like me, others might be trying to figure out how to walk this road in a God-honoring way. I don’t want to be part of the problem; I want to be part of the solution. Oh, how our nations need revival!
Know you are loved,
Grace
Dear Grace,
Thank you so much for addressing the political chaos. I really needed this. I am so weary, sad and frustrated. I really need to put my trust in the Lord!
God bless you
Hi Julia:
Thanks so much for connecting here. You are soooo not alone in feeling weary, sad, and frustrated over the chaos. May God help us all develop His perspective and respond in a way that honors Him and truly reflects Jesus.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you for the excellent insights for dealing with this political chaos. I know God has a plan but being patient to see it as a challenge. I just want to be salt and light.
Hi Gerry:
We’re living in a crazy time. If ever we need to be that salt and light, it’s now. May God grant us the wisdom and grace to navigate this road in a way that honors Him. Thanks for commenting, my friend.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Dearest Grace, Thank you for this gift and all others and you. I also thank you and Faith for having prayed for me regarding a move I had decided to make. Thank our Good Father….a new home March 15 …with all hope, faith, and love that I have listened and followed LOVE. Thank you for your support. Always…forever with Him…together we are indeed ONE.
Mary
Hi Mary:
Thanks for letting us know how God answered prayer. We celebrate with you!
Know you are loved,
Grace
Hi Mary:
Thanks for letting us know. We celebrate with you!
Know you are loved,
Grace
Well said, Grace! I appreciated everything you wrote. Right now, especially, we all need to maintain a God focused perspective.
Hi Cathy:
May God help us navigate this new normal in a way that honors Him. “God, give us wisdom, grace, patience, discernment, compassion, and everything else we need to rise above fear and anger. Protect our hearts and minds with Your truth.”
Know you are loved,
Grace
Hi Cathy:
Thank you. I’m hoping and praying for this post to encourage many in these crazy days. “God, help us all!”
Blessings,
Grace
Such a sticky subject. I’ve had some strong opinions, but I won’t let it cause division between me and friends or family. I must admit, it almost has, but I’ve prayed hard about it. It is hard when you think you’re right and feel wronged or when you’re criticized for what you believe is so obviously true. I have to remember that it’s not so important to be right. Thanks for the warning ‼️ G
Hi Gina:
You’re right — this is a sticky subject. I hesitated to mention it, but I know so many people are wrestling with it right now. May God give us wisdom and grace and kindness in our response. Thank you for not letting it cause division between you and your friends.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you Grace. I’ve been trying to think of how to bring more positive thoughts to all tha chaos, and this is what I’ve been looking for! I will share this on Facebook!
God bless you!
Hi Twylla:
I’m so glad you can use this. Please — do share. The vitriole online is enough to throw anyone into despair.
Blessings,
Grace
Another “thank you” for this wisdom. I feel so alienated from friends and family. I don’t want our opposing views to ruin our relationships. That’s what the enemy wants! So, I keep remembering that God is God, and I am not. He sees the big picture, as you said;He is Sovereign; and He is Good. May we be filled with His love. Bless you, Grace.
Hi Deborah:
I feel your pain. Many years ago, a family member and I shared different perspectives on a certain issue. When we hit a standstill and I suggested that we agree to disagree, she said, “I can’t do that because that might mean you’re right.” That relationship has since eroded, and she has cut off other people in the same way. There has to be a better way to respond — one that actually honors the Lord. May we learn how to pursue that way.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Hi! Thank you so much for this blog post! It really helped me! I was wondering as a fellow Christian Blogger, how you do it all? Your blog posts are amazing and I was wondering your process in doing it? Thanks so much!
Hi there! Thanks for stopping by, and thanks for the kind words about my blog posts.
I’ve been blogging for about 14 years. At first, I posted 5 days/week. That wasn’t sustainable. I cut it back to three times a week. That, too, wasn’t doable alongside other writing assignments and trying to be present for my family. I cut it back to weekly and did that for many years, but when I landed two three-book contracts back-to-back, I had to dial back again. Now I write two blogs/month and that seems right alongside other life responsibilities.
Over time, I’ve learned to identify my audience and their felt needs. My readers are older than yours, and they’re looking for peace amidst family conflicts and health issues, encouragement in life’s hard places, reminders that God loves them, and more. My brand tagline says, “Inspiring hope, courage, and transformation through God’s Word….with a dash of adventure.” So, all my blogs somehow tie in with those key words. The “dash of adventure” gives me liberty to write about experiences I have on mission trips and while sailing while staying on brand.
But the most important thing is that I put Jesus first and enjoy daily time reading the Word. My inspiration flows from that relationship, and I trust the Holy Spirit to help me with everything I write.
Does that answer your question about my process?
Thank you for your latest Godly insight into our chaotic world Grace.
It is re- assuring to be reminded that the hard roads of the current political world can be guided by our good and gracious God who is more powerful than the main characters on our televisions and social mefia.
God Bless you❤️🙏🏻
Hi Donna:
Thanks for posting your thoughts. I think it’s helpful to look back in Scripture to see how God ruled sovereignly over leaders in the past — Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Saul, and more. God always had a purpose in mind, and He established the authorities. He was always at work behind-the-scenes. We have to hang onto that truth. He is sovereign, but still…we pray.
Know you are loved,
Grace
Thank you for sharing this blog post
You are welcome. May the Lord teach usu how to respond in a way that brings honor to His holy name.
Blessings,
Grace