Post-Election Reflection: Trusting God When the Future Is Unclear
“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?” – Matthew 6:25
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss may seem like a fun children’s story, but it teaches us something important. In the story, there is a fish who is always worried. He’s the voice in our heads that says, “no, no, no” when things feel uncertain or risky. The cat, meanwhile, is full of new ideas that can be exciting but also scary. An excerpt of their conversation goes like this:
“‘Why do you sit there like that?’
‘I know some new tricks,’ said the cat in the hat.
But our fish said, ‘No! no!’…”
The election is over. By the time you read this, we may or may not know who the next president is. The past few months have been filled with stress, constant campaign ads, debates, and conversations that have left many of us feeling exhausted and anxious. Many of us have felt like that fish, caught between reason and the endless cycle of stress. Like the worried fish, the voice inside us whispers, “What if things go wrong? What if this decision changes everything?” It’s natural to feel uncertain, especially after a season filled with strong opinions and big promises.
In such moments, Jesus’ message to His followers feels especially timely. “Do not be anxious,” He says, urging us to break the cycle of worry that so easily consumes us. Jesus spoke to people who had worries just like we do. They worried about their future, their families, and how they would get by day to day. Jesus said, “Do not be anxious,” reminding them that life is more than what we see and fear. His words came after He taught about giving, prayer, and focusing on what truly matters. He knew that worry is a heavy burden that can keep us from seeing the bigger picture.
When Jesus came, He didn’t do what people expected. Many hoped for a leader who would give them safety and power. Instead, He spent time with the poor, shared meals with those looked down upon, and showed love to people on the edges of society. He didn’t let fear or doubt stop Him from fulfilling His purpose. Even when people around Him said “no” and doubted Him, He continued to trust God’s plan.
Today, we face similar moments of doubt. After this election, we might still have questions: “Will our leaders do what is right? Will my family be okay? Will we run out of money? Will I be able to handle whatever comes next?” It’s easy to let the voice of worry take over, to say “no” to new opportunities, or to hold back out of fear.
But we are called to listen to a different voice—the voice of courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. We can trust that God is in control instead of getting caught up in the unknown. No matter what happens, He promises to be with us. We don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what the future holds to have peace.
Ministry, community work, and even our personal lives can feel overwhelming, especially in times of change. We might think, “Am I capable of stepping up? Should I try something new, or will it be too much?” But we don’t need to send away the cat of new ideas just because the fish of worry says “no.” We can trust that God’s guidance will help us face whatever comes next with hope and strength.
Pray with me: Dear God, we might still feel unsure and worried now that the election season is behind us. Help us remember Your words and not be anxious. Teach us to trust You when we don’t know what’s coming. Replace our fear with courage and give us the strength to embrace change and new possibilities. Remind us that You hold our future in Your hands and that Your plans are always good. Help us listen to Your voice above the noise, and give us peace in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Rev. Kay Dubuisson
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss may seem like a fun children’s story, but it teaches us something important. In the story, there is a fish who is always worried. He’s the voice in our heads that says, “no, no, no” when things feel uncertain or risky. The cat, meanwhile, is full of new ideas that can be exciting but also scary. An excerpt of their conversation goes like this:
“‘Why do you sit there like that?’
‘I know some new tricks,’ said the cat in the hat.
But our fish said, ‘No! no!’…”
The election is over. By the time you read this, we may or may not know who the next president is. The past few months have been filled with stress, constant campaign ads, debates, and conversations that have left many of us feeling exhausted and anxious. Many of us have felt like that fish, caught between reason and the endless cycle of stress. Like the worried fish, the voice inside us whispers, “What if things go wrong? What if this decision changes everything?” It’s natural to feel uncertain, especially after a season filled with strong opinions and big promises.
In such moments, Jesus’ message to His followers feels especially timely. “Do not be anxious,” He says, urging us to break the cycle of worry that so easily consumes us. Jesus spoke to people who had worries just like we do. They worried about their future, their families, and how they would get by day to day. Jesus said, “Do not be anxious,” reminding them that life is more than what we see and fear. His words came after He taught about giving, prayer, and focusing on what truly matters. He knew that worry is a heavy burden that can keep us from seeing the bigger picture.
When Jesus came, He didn’t do what people expected. Many hoped for a leader who would give them safety and power. Instead, He spent time with the poor, shared meals with those looked down upon, and showed love to people on the edges of society. He didn’t let fear or doubt stop Him from fulfilling His purpose. Even when people around Him said “no” and doubted Him, He continued to trust God’s plan.
Today, we face similar moments of doubt. After this election, we might still have questions: “Will our leaders do what is right? Will my family be okay? Will we run out of money? Will I be able to handle whatever comes next?” It’s easy to let the voice of worry take over, to say “no” to new opportunities, or to hold back out of fear.
But we are called to listen to a different voice—the voice of courage that comes from the Holy Spirit. We can trust that God is in control instead of getting caught up in the unknown. No matter what happens, He promises to be with us. We don’t have to have all the answers or know exactly what the future holds to have peace.
Ministry, community work, and even our personal lives can feel overwhelming, especially in times of change. We might think, “Am I capable of stepping up? Should I try something new, or will it be too much?” But we don’t need to send away the cat of new ideas just because the fish of worry says “no.” We can trust that God’s guidance will help us face whatever comes next with hope and strength.
Pray with me: Dear God, we might still feel unsure and worried now that the election season is behind us. Help us remember Your words and not be anxious. Teach us to trust You when we don’t know what’s coming. Replace our fear with courage and give us the strength to embrace change and new possibilities. Remind us that You hold our future in Your hands and that Your plans are always good. Help us listen to Your voice above the noise, and give us peace in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Written by Rev. Kay Dubuisson
Posted in Mid-Week Devotional
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