Spiritual Truths and Actions for the Day After an Election

It's the day after an election in the US. We get online, check the newspaper, or listen to the news to hear the results.

Either,
A) you are pleased about the results, because they align with how you voted, or
B) you are displeased with the results, because you wanted a different outcome, or most likely
C) you are experiencing a mix of emotions because some races went how you wanted, but others didn't.

As Christians, where do we go from here on the day after an election? I recommend that we keep a couple of truths in our minds and there are a couple of things that we should do (or not do!).

Truth #1: God is in control. God was not on His throne in heaven wondering what the outcome of our elections would be. He was not worrying that His will would be thwarted by our election results. He is Lord, Sovereign, King, Creator, and well...God.
Biblical Source (if you really need something here): 2 Samuel 7:22 "“How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears." (NIV)

Truth #2: Our primary job is still to share the Gospel, the Good News with a lost and hurting world. Regardless of the outcome of this election, our job, our mission as Christians has not changed. We are still commanded to GO and MAKE disciples. We are to share the GOOD NEWS with all people.
Biblical Source: Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”" (NIV)
Biblical Source: 2 Timothy 4:2 "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (NIV)

Truth #3: God can be glorified even through pain and unfortunate events. God is not going to be defeated by anything anyone on this world says or does.
Biblical Source: 2 Corinthians 12:9 "But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me." (NIV)
Biblical Source: Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (NIV)
Biblical Source: Genesis 45:4-8/Genesis 50:20 (Joseph told his brothers that what they meant to hurt him, God used to save people) "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (NIV)

Action #1: Pray for all people, including newly elected leaders.
Biblical Source: 1 Timothy 2:1-4 "I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (NIV)

Action #2: Submit to the authority elected.
Biblical Source: Hebrews 13:17 "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you." (NIV)
AND
Biblical Source: 1 Peter 2:13-14 "Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right." (NIV)
AND
Biblical Source: Romans 13

Action #3: Obey God over man, when man asks you to go against God's commands.
Biblical Source: Acts 5:29 "Peter and the other apostles replied: “We must obey God rather than human beings!" (NIV)

Action #4: Do not complain about results you didn't want.
Biblical Source: Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." (NIV)
Biblical Source: James 5:9 "Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" (NIV)
Biblical Source: Philippians 2:14-16 "Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain." (NIV)

So, regardless of the election results, take heart, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, God is still sovereign, we are still called to share the Gospel, and God can be glorified even in the darkest of events. And prepare for action! Pray for all people, including elected officials, obey the leaders (insofar as you can and still obey God's supreme law), and please, please, please, don't go around complaining about the results you disagree with. Take all worries and complaints to God in prayer, but don't complain to others about these things.