Will America survive the 2024 presidential election? If you ask the candidates, the answer is maybe not. At least not in the form that we all know it.

The Democratic contender and current president, Joe Biden, said at a fundraiser in New York that he thinks “our democracy is at stake” in the current election.

The Republican candidate and former president, Donald Trump, said during a rally in Ohio, “If we don’t win this election, I don’t think you’re going to have another election in this country.”

So, if the other side wins, the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave will be no more.

You could dismiss this as political hyperbole—the candidates exaggerating to boost fundraising efforts and tear down their opponents—but this is heating up to be a presidential election like no other.

If you are like most, you are sick of it already. A September 2023 Pew Research poll found that 65 percent of Americans say they feel exhausted when thinking about politics. Also, 63 percent said they have “not too much” or “no confidence” at all in the future of the U.S. political system.

The researchers asked, “What one word or phrase would you use to describe politics in the U.S. these days?” The top responses showed the mood of the nation: Divisive. Corrupt. Messy. Bad. Chaos.

Many Americans are frustrated with the candidates on offer. Pew found that about 1 in 4 citizens have unfavorable views of both Joe Biden and Donald Trump.

So will the U.S. survive past November 5? The answer may often feel like no. However, unless God Himself comes and shakes up the world order, America will persist past this election cycle.

Despite this, you may be thinking, But will I survive?

As the days and weeks tick by, you need to brace yourself for more aggressive mudslinging and name-calling. You need to get ready to navigate opinionated conversations with family and friends. You need surefire ways to stay sane in 2024.

Although leaders often force God and the Bible into politics as a cheap grab for votes, this Book does have a lot to say about how to navigate politics. It is filled with knowledge that can help you understand the confusing world around you—as well as how to weather the political maelstrom that comes every four years in the U.S.

Holding tight to the following Bible verses will help you endure the constant campaigning in 2024. Consider them your survival guide until Election Day and beyond.

God Selects Leaders

When studying a Bible topic, it is best to start with the clearest verses. These lay a foundation that helps you understand other scriptures that may be more difficult to grasp. One such verse about politics is found in Daniel 2:21, which states that God “removes kings, and sets up kings: He gives wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding.”

While Americans—and everyone who votes around the world—may think they are helping to select leaders, it is really God who is in control. He sets up presidents, governors and congressmen. He removes them too.

Think about what this means. If there is a president in office you personally like, it was God who put him there. If you have a leader you do not like, it was God who put him there as well. You may not immediately see God’s purpose for selecting a man or woman, but Daniel 2:21 stands sure and fast. God decides who holds power—no one else.

Allow this Bible fact to anchor you. In the coming months, you will see so many people fretting about who will win the presidency. Yet you can know that whoever ultimately gains or retains power is within God’s purpose.

Another verse in Daniel adds to this by saying that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will, and sets up over it the basest of men” (4:17).

Take this at face value. Even the greatest leaders are considered “the basest of men.” This means the lowest of men. This starts to make sense when you think of the corruption, adultery and lies that so often accompany world leaders.

But how does this knowledge help you weather the presidential election? The answer comes from another basic verse.

Cannot Govern Self

Jeremiah 10:23 reveals an essential truth that God wants everyone to learn: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walks to direct his steps.”

Man cannot direct his steps. Human governments always tend toward disarray and ruin. Some last a few decades and others centuries, but all fail. They may have flashes of brilliance, periods of peace and even seem to triumph over evil from time to time—but that is just one side of the coin.

The other side is all the troubles and ills that come with manmade governments. Be honest. These systems of government do not work. They are ineffectual and broken.

Man has been on the same path from the beginning. In the Garden of Eden, the first human beings ate from “the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Gen. 2:17; 3:22). With this act, the first man and woman took to themselves the power to decide what was right or wrong rather than relying on God. Every individual has been doing the same ever since. The results are obvious.

Why would God do this? He is giving humanity the space and time to try out different forms of government and see that they do not work. This is the lesson Jeremiah learned—but so few understand today.

As this year’s election heats up, keep Jeremiah 10:23 in mind. It explains the political gridlock, unintended consequences and utter ineffectiveness of governments today.

This leads to an even bigger question: Should you be involved with politics at all?

Where God Wants Our Citizenship

Philippians 3:20 says this: “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (New King James Version).

Those following God’s Way should consider their citizenship to be in heaven—not here on Earth. The original Greek word for “citizenship” is politeuma. The root word of this is where today’s “politics” derives.

So Philippians 3:20 could instead read “our politics are in heaven.” Instead of getting embroiled in the fighting between Republicans, Democrats and everyone in between, our politics should be with God.

Jesus made clear what this means when talking to Pontius Pilate: “My Kingdom is not of this world: if My Kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is My Kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36).

Christ preached about a coming Kingdom. It will be a supergovernment ruled by God that will bring peace and prosperity to the entire world. Isaiah 9:7 says that “the increase of His government and peace” will be never-ending.

Some think God’s Kingdom is already on Earth now. Yet would a government ruled by Almighty God look like any of the governing systems we see today? The answer is obvious.

Because Christ’s Kingdom has not yet come, Christians should not be engaged in politics in any way.

This understanding can seem odd at first. Yet it will quickly become an incredible stress reliever. It means you can rise above all the arguments and uncertainty because you trust that God is in control.

Honor the King

While God wants us to avoid political involvement, He does understand that we still have to lead lives in this world. The Bible shows how we should conduct ourselves: “Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; or unto governors…” (I Pet. 2:13-14).

We should follow all the laws of the land so long as they do not conflict with God’s commands. Thankfully, in the U.S., there are precious few decrees that fall into this category.

Verse 17 adds how we should treat others: “Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.”

While leaders are the basest of men—with their failings often readily evident!—we should still submit to and honor them. Given today’s politicians, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

But let’s bring some historical context to Peter’s words. While he was writing this epistle, Nero—a man who ordered mass executions of Christians—was emperor in Rome. Yet God still considered this wicked leader deserving of honor!

If the first century apostles could give appropriate honor to Nero, we can definitely respect today’s leaders.

I Timothy 2 goes further and says we should even pray for those in power: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty” (vs. 1-2).

What?! We should pray and give thanks for presidents and governors—even those doing things contrary to God’s Way?

Yes. But notice the reason for this: “that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life.”

We should be praying for the success of the nation in which we live. Pray that the leaders will enact policies that allow us to lead godly, peaceful lives. In the U.S., we are incredibly blessed to have sweeping freedom of religion. We should remain thankful for this and ask God to protect this right.

Praying for leaders also has another effect—especially for politicians you may find distasteful or repugnant. Going to God on their behalf can help humanize and soften your view of them. Such acts can relieve any anger or frustration you may feel about the nation’s direction.

Trust that God Is in Charge

Prayer has an even bigger role to play in surviving the 2024 election cycle. It will help you apply Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct Your paths.”

We must not lean on our “own understanding”—what we personally think is right. Instead, we should trust in what God says and is doing here on Earth.

Psalm 20:7 states it this way: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.”

When things seem bleak for the nation and the entire world, remember to trust God: “Whenever I am afraid, I will trust in You” (Psa. 56:3, NKJV).

Pray these words even before you are fearful—and call on them when you do find yourself in a tough spot.

Avoid Arguments

We have already seen we should pray to lead peaceful lives. We should apply the same principle to our day-to-day interactions. Romans 12 states, “If it be possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men” (vs. 18).

When politics are on people’s minds, arguments come soon after. The 2024 election is sure to be no different. So many are absolutely sure their position is correct and are ready to pick a fight at the drop of a hat.

James 1:19 tells us to “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” If we listen to a person’s viewpoint and are careful before we respond, most political fights will never materialize.

If you have a co-worker or friend who insists on bringing up politics, be “swift to hear.” Listen to their perspective. Try your best to understand where they are coming from. This will help deepen your relationship with them rather than cause needless division.

Proverbs 18:13 also applies: “He that answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame unto him.” So does Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

Whatever you do when politics comes up, do not start quoting Bible principles back at them: “Did you know God selects leaders and calls them the basest of men?” “When Adam and Eve ate from the wrong tree…” “My politics are in heaven, don’t you know.”

Instead, only bring up such things if asked, as I Peter 3:15 instructs. It says we should “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.”

We should be ready to answer, yes. But only if asked. Otherwise, do not bring up Bible truths. Inserting your beliefs into a political argument is a surefire way to turn it into a religious one. This is the opposite of living peaceably with everyone.

What Else to Do

As political nonsense crescendos over the coming weeks and months, remember that God selects leaders, that man cannot truly govern himself and that your politics should remain in heaven. You should honor and pray for government leaders, not be involved with politics, trust in God and avoid political debates.

Instead of incessantly worrying about what is happening in human-led governments today, you should confidently look forward to God’s coming Kingdom.

That is why it is a part of the model prayer in Matthew 6:10: “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

As things get worse in the here and now, pray that God’s Kingdom will come soon. Yet also ask that God’s will be done in the nation and in your own life.

To better pray “Your Kingdom come,” you need to know what that supergovernment will look like when it arrives. Read Tomorrow’s Wonderful World – An Inside View! for the Bible picture of what God says is coming soon.

Putting all these verses together will help you survive—and even thrive—during the tumultuous 2024 presidential election cycle. As the nation is wracked with uncertainty and division, you can be a beacon of peace.