Month: April 2022

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1-4).

I have read this passage many times and missed a big chunk of the message. Yes, I pray for our leaders both government and church leaders. The part I missed is the reason Paul gives us for doing so. First, he suggests that it helps us “live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  Of course, that is good, and it pleases God, but look at the last section.   God wants all people to be saved and to know the truth!

Perhaps, if we prayed for our leaders with this is mind our prayers would be more fruitful for the Kingdom. Our leaders need Jesus, too and it is evident that some have no interest in the things of God or His truth. That doesn’t change their need. We don’t have access to most of our government leaders, but God does. And our prayers could make a difference for their eternal destiny and the destiny of the Nation.

I believe the only way our Nation can be saved from losing our freedoms is through the Church and the prayers of God’s people. I am thankful for those in government who carry the voice of truth and they especially need our prayers for wisdom and endurance.

Our history is rich with accounts of government leaders who depended on God and sought His wisdom in prayer. I think of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln who led our Nation in challenging times. Both recognized their dependence on God for successfully leading a nation. We need more leaders like these.

I read King Solomon’s prayer in 1 Kings, upon the dedication of the temple, and was impressed by his intercession for God’s people. King Solomon recognized God’s promises to His people and prayed for mercy and forgiveness for them when they would stray from God. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we had government leaders who prayed for the people they govern? I’m sure there are some who do.

As James says, “the prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective” (James 5:16).

“Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (1 Peter 2:17).

Living by this verse could change the world!

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

even at night my heart instructs me.

I have set the Lord always before me.

Because he is at my right hand,

I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

 my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the grave,

nor will you let your Holy One see decay.

You have made known to me the path of life;

you will fill me with joy in your presence,

with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

Psalm 16:7-11

This world in which we live isn’t looking very inviting: war, inflation, open border, weak government administration, and the list could go on. Anyone who is awake and sane knows things are not right. What to do? Of course, let our voices be heard with our representatives at both local and national levels. Make your approvals and disapprovals known to them. But if we want to remain sane and satisfied, we must look beyond this world.

David, in Psalm 16, asserts that God is his refuge and his sustainer. He chooses to “set the Lord always before” him. He trusts God to keep him safe so he can rest secure. He does not fear the grave because he knows God will fill him with joy in His presence. David looks forward to eternal pleasures with God.

This Psalm is a Messianic psalm. The Apostles Peter and Paul, both quote it in the New Testament when referring to Jesus’ resurrection. David did not see the Messiah in his days on earth, but he knew a Savior was to come someday. Praise God and Hallelujah the Savior has come! He lived to show us how to live and died to show us death is not the end. Death was defeated on the third day when Jesus rose from the dead and walked with his disciples long enough to prove He really was alive!

If we are Jesus’ disciples today and remain faithful to Him, we have the assurance, as David did, of enjoying joy and eternal pleasures with God after this life. So, in the midst of this world’s trouble and trials we “set the Lord always before” us. As the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:2-3).

Happy Resurrection Day!