Pray for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:2 NIV
I always took the first part of the passage as an action. In my church, each Sunday we pray for the president, governor, Congress, city council and mayor. Over my life there have been times I gritted my teeth, but prayed anyway, out of obedience. After all, that is what Scripture tells us to do, right?
But God brought the second half of the verse into focus for me today. Perhaps because of the anxiety people are feeling over the presidential election in a few weeks.
So how we can live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness…not at the elected officials’ hands, but in assurance we have placed them in God’s hand, our ultimate authority.
We cannot totally depend on humans to handle or solve our national, state or local problems, no matter what they promise. But we can act out what our coinage states and place our elected officials and this nation’s people under God’s care, trusting in Him. In other words, pray for them. We may not see a change in their attitudes or beliefs, but we may see one in us. Our hearts may become more palatable to loving our neighbors and our enemies. Our anxieties or frustrations may minimize. Hope may bubble up a bit more in our souls.
Then and only then will we find peace and quiet, godly living and His holiness.
Love the commentary. I have read similar comments from several Christians lately, so this must be part of what God is speaking to His people these days.
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Good stuff…very relevant for today!
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Thanks, Matthew. And thanks for following my blog. May you see God in your day.
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Man – do we need more of this! Great read! Praying for our leaders and our great nation!
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Yes, Julie, we must be praying for the elected officials, regardless of our opinions of them. God is sovereign over all things and His will is certain to be done.
But there could not be a clearer synonymous biblical example than the first 18 chapters of the Book of Jeremiah. America and Judah’s path, if grafted, would show they followed the same diversions. God had already pronounced judgment on Judah, but for the sake of one boy king, Josiah, who determined to restore God’s law and order to the land, Judah’s judgment was postponed.
While we must be praying for all elected officials, God’s people must be on their faces repenting (and yes, we have much to repent for) and asking for God’s mercy. And that’s where we find His peace regardless of the outcome of this despicable election cycle.
You’re right, God’s in charge and we find our peace in that fact and in our obedience to His Word.
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