The recent election of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States has brought joy and a renewed sense of hope to many who feel that his leadership aligns more closely with biblical values and principles. For those who have prayed and believed for this outcome, the victory brings a feeling of triumph and satisfaction. This enthusiasm isn’t just natural; it’s a sign of genuine hope in the future. But while we celebrate, it’s essential to recognize the true source of all victories. God’s Word reminds us that every blessing and success originates from Him, and as joyful as we may be, we must guard our hearts against pride creeping in during moments of victory.
Scripture warns us of the subtle but powerful nature of pride, especially following success. In Proverbs 16:18, we read, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” The message here is clear: when we allow ourselves to feel that we achieved something on our own, we risk falling. Pride is like a hidden snare that lies in wait, especially when we’re riding high on victory. Just as with this presidential win, it’s easy to feel like we made it happen, to attribute the success to our own efforts, or to think that it came about by the strength of our will or the voices of the people. But if we think we’ve done it ourselves, we’re edging God out of the equation, and that’s dangerous territory. It’s the same principle that applies to all victories in life: we need to remember that God is the one who truly steers the course of history, raising up leaders according to His plans and purposes.
Daniel 2:21 reminds us, “He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others.” Every leader, every victory, and every outcome are ultimately in God’s hands. When we view a victory, whether national or personal, as solely our own doing, we risk forgetting that He is the one who makes all things possible. This isn’t meant to diminish our joy or the rightful celebration of a positive outcome, but it is a reminder to keep our hearts in the right place. The Bible shows us that God doesn’t only care about our achievements; He cares about the state of our hearts as we achieve them.
Let’s take King Nebuchadnezzar as an example. He was a powerful leader who had achieved more than most of us could ever imagine. He stood on the rooftop of his palace, looked out over Babylon, and said, “Is not this the great Babylon I have built as the royal residence, by my mighty power and for the glory of my majesty?” (Daniel 4:30). In that moment, Nebuchadnezzar believed he had done it all. Pride blinded him to the reality that everything he had was granted by God. God humbled him dramatically, stripping away his power and position until he was able to acknowledge God’s sovereignty. Nebuchadnezzar’s story serves as a warning: when we take credit for ourselves, we’re placing ourselves in opposition to God’s authority and setting ourselves up for a fall.
The same lesson applies to our personal triumphs. In any area of life—work, family, achievements—there’s often a strong urge to claim victory for ourselves. But each time we succeed, whether it’s with a promotion, completing a tough project, or even celebrating a relationship milestone, we should remember where the credit truly lies. Scripture speaks directly to this in 1 Corinthians 4:7, where Paul asks, “What do you have that you did not receive?” Every gift we possess, every victory we experience, is a gift from God’s hand, not something we manufactured ourselves. This truth is humbling, but it also protects us from the illusion of self-sufficiency. When we’re tempted to say, “I did it,” we need to pause and remember that we’re stewards of what God has given us, and in all things, we are dependent on His grace.
James 1:17 reinforces this, saying, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” Our accomplishments, our abilities, and our victories are good gifts, but they are from Him. When we recognize this, it becomes easier to give thanks to God, to approach every success with humility, and to keep pride at bay. The Apostle Paul goes even further, urging us to be cautious about our attitude in success. In Galatians 6:14, he says, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This isn’t a call to deny our accomplishments; it’s a call to remember where our hope, our strength, and our identity truly lie.
As we celebrate successes—whether it’s a national event like an election or a personal achievement—let’s take the opportunity to redirect our hearts to God. Instead of allowing pride to grow, let’s cultivate gratitude, giving thanks to the One who made every victory possible. True success lies not in self-credit but in acknowledging God’s hand in all things. There is freedom in knowing that we don’t carry the weight of our victories alone. When we live with humble hearts, we are in a place where God’s grace can work through us. As James 4:6 tells us, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” When we recognize our dependence on Him, we align ourselves with His will, and our victories take on eternal significance.
It’s entirely right to feel joy and hope in times of triumph, but let’s remember who truly deserves the credit. When we give glory to God, we’re not just acknowledging His role; we’re keeping our hearts aligned with Him, making room for even greater blessings. Our lives, our achievements, and even our leaders are gifts from His hand, and each of them is an opportunity to point back to the goodness of God. So as we celebrate, let’s do so with humble hearts, giving thanks to the One who holds all victories in His hands. In doing so, we’ll find a deeper joy, a lasting peace, and a success that is far greater than anything we could accomplish alone. And don’t forget to pray for the new leadership as they, including Trump, will continue to need guidance.