After the election

Before an election many people pray for divine direction in voting. They feel that they can listen for the guidance of God, divine Mind, rather than rely on just human opinions and reasoning. They strive to do this whether the election is small in scope and impact or large enough to affect the course of world events.

But what should one do after the election? Do we feel that once we have cast our vote, there is nothing left for us to do? If we are pleased with the outcome of the election, do we sit back and trust what we perceive to be capable human hands to govern? If we are dismayed with the outcome, do we resign ourselves to years of ''misgovernment''?

There is a more constructive, healing standpoint. The Bible lifts our thought to a higher recognition of who is in control. In Isaiah we read: ''The Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; he will save us.'' n1 Not our favorite political party or candidate, but God, is in control! God has not put His government into human hands.

n1 Isaiah 33:22.

Mary Baker Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, writes: ''It is safe to leave with God the government of man.'' n2 Leaving it to God does not imply inactivity on our part. Trusting God requires active spiritual reliance, not passive ''letting go.'' We can acknowledge the almighty power of God in all aspects of life, public and private, despite any negative appearances.

n2 Retrospection and Introspection, p. 90.

When we vote in an election, we make a choice between people and parties. But is that the only choice we are able to make? Don't we make choices every day as to the kind of thinking we will do? We have a choice to make beween evil thoughts and good ones. We are able to choose every moment the supremacy of God, Principle, over mortal personality, Truth over propaganda, divine intelligence over mindless bureaucracy, the Word of God over red tape.

This kind of thinking does more than just make us feel happier. Because it is derived from the one divine Mind, God, and not mere personal opinion, it elevates society. Christ Jesus plainly showed us through his teachings and works that thought aligned with God has power to effect change and improvement. We shouldn't write a script for what we perceive to be right governmental action and then allow frustration, anger, disaffection, to influence our thought because we can't get anyone to act out our personal script!

In the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, Mrs. Eddy writes: ''Those instructed in Christian Science have reached the glorious perception that God is the only author of man.'' n3 Man, as God's blessed offspring, is governed exclusively and wisely by Him, is the satisfied expression of His will. As we realize this truth in prayer, feel it to be reality, regardless of appearances, we'll help ourselves, and we'll help our government.

n3 Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, p. 29.

When we're disappointed with the outcome of an election, we can reassure ourselves with the knowledge that God is in fact always at the helm, governing man intelligently. We can know that circumstances cannot remove divinity from anyone's life.

When we're delighted with the outcome of an election, we need to remember exactly the same thing, that God, not man, is the governor among the nations, and that ''he will save us.'' DAILY BIBLE VERSE Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. I Chronicles 29:11-13