First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all those who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and it pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 HCSB
We are encouraged to pray for those in authority. It doesn’t say to pray for them if you support them or if you don’t support them, it just says to pray for them. When elections are held in this country, there is a winner and a loser. There are supporters who are elated and others who are upset. The most important thing for us to understand, however, is that God is in control.
Paul tells us in Romans 13:1 that everyone must submit to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist are instituted by God. Our elections are no surprise to our Lord. I believe God puts those in place either for our good or for our punishment, but either way He is in control.
It is rare that we have a Christian candidate or at least someone who boldly claims to be a Christian, but we must remember to pray for them also. They could easily be corrupted by the political system. We must be vigilant in praying for them.
In elections past, I have voted for a candidate only to be disappointed by their performance. I have found that they made promises that they never kept. I have found myself grumbling and complaining about them. Our Scripture passage clearly states, however, that grumbling and complaining is not my job. My job is to pray for them. Prayer changes things. Grumbling and complaining does not. Just ask the Israelites. They spent 40 years grumbling and complaining only to go around in circles out in the wilderness.
It doesn’t matter if I’m happy with the choice or not, I still am commanded to pray for the governing authorities.
We may be happy or unhappy with election results, but as Christians we must elect for God to be Lord over our lives. We must first submit to Him. We must obey His commands. When we do these things, we can live in peace even if there is chaos all around us.
It is my prayer that we pray for those in authority. It is my prayer that we put our trust in God and not in man.
Only God can save us. Surrender your life to Him. God is faithful, He keeps His promises, you can trust in Him. He may not always give you everything you want, but He will supply all you need.
Trust in Him, surrender to His will and He will take good care of you.
Have a great day!