Our nation and our families are experiencing serious difficulties, and it’s time we go to the right book for counsel and direction. It may not be politically correct to give God the credit for establishing this nation we live in, but truth be known, it is a Biblical reality.

Now that the election is over, some folks (winners) are celebrating and some are wondering what went wrong, while most people are just plain glad that it is finally over. Now those who have been elected to govern can get about doing their jobs of governing.

It shouldn’t be surprising to find out that polls tell us that the level of public trust of politicians in general is at an all-time low. Most people have learned to take the speeches and promises of political candidates not with just a grain of salt, but with the whole saltbox. In fact, polls also tell us that most voters just want the election to be over, to get on with our lives.

I confess that thought has been in my mind a few times. I do love this great nation, and the democratic election process, but political campaigns can just wear us down. I find that I need to continually remind myself that elections are not contests between perfect people. Nor is it a matter of voting for the lesser of the evils, and it isn’t even a matter of what is the best for me. We need to be more aware not only of the issues, but what principles does God give us on those issues.

I read some time ago that there are two primary weaknesses in the democratic process. First, we are mortal voters are voting for mortals just like us; secondly, when we vote, we voters often forget weakness #1.

In 1 Timothy 2:1-3, we read “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, and intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; (2) For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. (3) For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.”

When Israel was held captive in a pagan nation, God said to them through the prophet Jeremiah, “And seek the peace of the city whither I have caused you to be carried away captives, and pray unto the Lord for it: for in the peace thereof shall ye have peace.”

Sometimes we feel captive to whatever politician or party happens to occupy elected office, but regardless of our feelings or emotions, God’s word says to pray for them. Pray for the healing of our land, pray that the decisions of our leaders will lead in such a way that more and more people will receive the message of Christ’s love.

The bottom line is that we are to pray for all politicians, even the ones we may not like. Maybe we should pray especially for the ones we may not like. Our deciding vote in any election isn’t the one we make privately on the ballot, but the vote we make in the privacy of our prayers.

So, why is that? Well, I’m glad you asked, let’s look at what saith the scripture: “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will” Proverbs 21:1.

Fortunately we live in a democracy and aren’t subject to royal family lineage, and I believe we can safely read this verse in light of election 2010 and say that the hearts of every federal, state and locally elected official is in the hand of the Lord, and, as the rivers of water, he turns those hearts where he will. God has the sovereign power to direct the decisions of our leaders, even those we don’t like. When a believing heart prays, God hears.

Cedar Creek Community Church

2969 14 Mile Road, Sparta