As the upcoming election looms large, I become more and more discouraged. Let's face it--we are having to choose between two very abysmal candidates. But I was so encouraged today as I read through Psalm 146 and 147, and I'd love to share what I discovered with you!
Let's start with Psalm 146; verse three cuts right to the heart of the matter this election season:
"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish."
The Lord reminds us that no political candidate deserves our trust, no matter how competent, knowledgeable, or moral they might be. They are all men (or women!)--limited, fallible, and temporal.
Instead, the psalmist lavishes blessings upon the Lord, our creator and sustainer, who IS capable, knowledgeable, and faithful (see 146:6 and 147:4-5).
So, what do you want out of a political candidate...a future President?
Do you want a prosperous economy? The Lord builds up Jerusalem (v.2 )...and fills us with the finest of wheat (v. 14)
Do you want secure borders and safety for our children? For he strengthens the bars of your gates; he blesses your children within you. He makes peace in your borders...(v. 13)
Do you want justice in our courts? ...who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry...sets the prisoners free... (Ps 146:7-8 ).
A competant executor? Someone who can really get things done in Washington? He sends out his command to the earth; his word runs swiftly (Ps 147:15). And the psalmist goes on to state how effective God's word is, toward all of His creation.
Finally, the tenth verse of Psalm 146 reminds us that the Lord's reign will last forever--perfect, just, eternal.
So, what we need is the Lord to lead, bless, establish justice, bring peace, protect, and heal our nation. No political candidate will ever, or could ever, do this for us!
It is telling that both of these beautiful psalms begin and end with the same emphatic command: PRAISE THE LORD!
Praise the Lord if Clinton is elected! Praise the Lord if Trump is elected!
Our future is secure! Our hope stands firm in nothing less than the Lord Almighty Himself!
So my prayer as I go to the polls this November?
YOUR KINGDOM COME, YOUR WILL BE DONE, ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN
The Lord will reign forever,
your God, O Zion, to all generations.
Praise the Lord!
--Psalm 146:10
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