Peace In Our Time
By Hal Lindsey
Members of the psychiatric profession tell us people in the United States are feeling especially anxious about this year’s presidential election. Both sides fear an economic collapse if the other wins. Both sides are convinced that a win by the other means the rich will get richer and the poor poorer; and that terrorism will flourish. Both sides are concerned about the moral character of the other side’s candidate (and maybe their own).
An unusual number of people fear that if the other side wins, America will be unrecognizable in four years. Slate Magazine called the 2016 election a “national nervous breakdown.”
Core supporters of each candidate are convinced that America will enter a new era of prosperity and peace if their candidate wins. And they are horrified at the thought of a fantastic, glorious opportunity being thrown away by their fellow voters.
The hardcore people follow, not just the big polls, but also the daily tracking polls. Every shift makes them giddy or throws them in the dumps.
One thing the polls seem to all agree on is that most Americans are not happy about this election. The majority doesn’t feel completely comfortable with either candidate. San Francisco psychotherapist, Fiachra O’Sullivan, said, “People are scared. People are distressed, and it’s affecting… their relationships with their significant others.”
Nancy Molitor, a clinical psychologist in the Chicago area, said that in her 26 years in practice, “I’ve never seen this level of stress and anxiety over an impending election.”
Elaine Ducharme is a clinical psychologist from Connecticut. All her patients are feeling anxiety over the election. She said, “I can’t think of a person I’ve talked to (who) does not feel anxious about this.”
There have been no formal studies on the subject as far as I know, but the anecdotal evidence is overwhelming. People are reporting headaches, jitters, tightness in the chest, and even difficulty breathing — all caused by election fears.
According to Fox News, many therapists are telling their patients, “Stop reading the news and take up yoga.”
For some, “Stop reading the news” may be a good idea. Anyone obsessing over the election should take a step back from it. Don’t stick your head in the sand, but don’t think that by reading the polls every day you can somehow change them in your candidate’s favor.
Here’s what I can tell you from scripture. Don’t place your hope in a man or a woman. We’ve had some great presidents and they made huge differences in all our lives. In some cases, they helped save our lives, and in some cases, they helped save our way of life.
But they were all merely human. These days, we need help from a Higher Source.
America is beyond the simple need for good governmental policies. It needs a revolution of the heart. Passing a new law won’t turn things around, but recognition of God’s laws can. The only real hope for America today is for large number of Americans to repent of their sins, and turn to the saving grace of Jesus.
What about you? And if you have children or grandchildren, what about them? What kind of world will they inherit? Should you be afraid?
No.
Through Isaiah, God warned of some terrible things coming on the nation of Israel. But it was also through Isaiah that the Lord said, “Say to those who are fearful-hearted, ‘Be strong, do not fear!’” (Isaiah 35:4 NKJV)
1 Peter 5:7 says, “Casting all your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you.”(NASB)
Worried about the kids? Trust them to Him. Psalms 103:17 says, “The lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children’s children.” (NASB)
The Psalmist also said, “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in Thee.” (Psalms 56:3 NASB)
Jesus warned us that we would face great persecution, but He said not to worry. He spoke it as a promise, and also as a command. He said, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” (John 14:27 NASB)
