With President-elect Donald Trump’s victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, many are reflecting on the direction of the United States. For some, this outcome brings hope and elation. For others, concern, uncertainty and even despair.

However, God wants us to have a different response—one guided by timeless biblical principles, regardless of who holds power.

In I Timothy 2, the apostle Paul wrote, “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (vs. 1-4, New Living Translation).

This passage provides three powerful lessons for anyone trying to process the election outcome.

(1) Pray for God’s Will, Not Personal Preferences

Paul’s instruction to pray applies to all leaders, regardless of personal views. Whether or not an election result aligns with our preferences, the responsibility to pray for those in authority remains constant. This includes the current administration and the incoming president and his team.

When we do this, we must seek God’s will, not our own. This allows us to rise above political partisanship and trust that our Creator is in control.

What should we pray for? The next point provides a guiding principle.

(2) Living Peaceably, Grounded in Godliness

Paul highlights that these prayers are for Christians to have conditions where they can lead “peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity” (vs. 2). Of course, this applies not just to our prayers but to our thoughts and actions as well.

Living peaceably means adhering to God’s Way with integrity and patience, even when society or its leadership chooses a different path. This mindset helps us stay committed to being an example of true godliness in a world that increasingly needs it.

(3) A Reminder of God’s Broader Plan

Finally, Paul reminds us that God “wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth” (vs. 4).

This extends beyond any political moment. Leaders and nations come and go over time, but God’s Plan is eternal and comprehensive. When we pray for our leaders, we are contributing to God’s larger purpose—more people ultimately understanding and living by His truth. This should also be an element of what we pray about.

There is a lot to be thankful for in the United States. The Real Truth and its publisher The Restored Church of God are able to operate in this nation because of freedoms of speech and religion that are unlike anywhere else in the world. We can freely preach the gospel of the Kingdom of God. Keep reading The Real Truth for a biblical perspective of world events you will find nowhere else.

As we look to the future, remember these lessons. Pray for those in authority. Live with peace and integrity. Recognize that human governments are temporary and only God’s Kingdom will bring a time when all can “come to the knowledge of the truth.”

Until then, remain focused on His purpose, and trust that God is working out His will here on Earth.