The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; He makes the plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His heart to all generations. Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His own inheritance. Psalm 33:10-12.
Holy Father, we come before the Mercy Seat in total dependence upon you. We ask that Your will be revealed in everything that takes place in our world. Amidst the crime and confusion please make it evident to all, that You will always have the last word. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen and Amen!
People are holding their breath over what the results of this presidential election is going to be. There is a lot of fear and apprehension concerning which political party will have the majority of seats in the Congress (Senate and House of Representatives).
It is good to know that God does have an interest in the elections. His Word informs us, “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1b. Emphasis provided).
I am aware that this statement leads to a lot of questions and speculation. The only reason I personally accept it is because I believe that all Scripture is inspired by God” (2 Timothy 3:15). Besides this fact, I know that God has given all people free will. That explains why even though leaders are appointed by God, many make very bad decisions.
With this in mind, I believe that it is the duty of every conscientious citizen to cast his or her vote on election day. Remember that even though God does not depend on our actions to bring His will to pass, He can use our input to make a difference.
Our Scripture for today declares that God makes of no effect the counsels of the nations. Does it mean that God ignores every decision made by a league of nations or an individual nation? I don’t believe that. Nor can I explain why terrible things are allowed to happen. Therefore, with the greatest of humility, let me submit for your consideration my thoughts.
God created humankind in His image and likeness. In every individual is His breath of life. Therefore, with few unusual exceptions (psychopaths, sociopaths) and others, who, some by choice, others by miscarriages of nature, have almost, or completely, lost any semblance of God in their lives, I believe we can safely say, that we all have something of God in each of us.
Because of this, I also believe that we all have the ability to hear the voice of God, and respond to His promptings! Listen to the way Paul talks about this innate knowledge of God:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened (Romans 1: 18-21. Emphasis provided).
The will of God is not only written in the Bible, but in the minds of human beings! God wants people to know Him! Therefore, He manifests Himself to them through thought, and also in nature. But many, by choice, decide not to know Him. Perhaps to have an excuse not to do His will. His Word declares that they are without excuse! That choice leads to the darkening of the heart where truth is blotted out from sight and mind. . .
That is a fearful situation!
Having laid some foundation for our study, we will continue this conversation for a few days.