For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. – Jeremiah 29:11
Does it seem to you that, no sooner has the nation gone through one election, candidates have begun campaigning for the next one? And in between, there are municipal elections, county supervisor elections, school board elections, even voting on special bonds that will generally mean an increase in your taxes. Do you ever wonder where God is in all of this?
The Judeo-Christian view of a providential God was widely recognized in the earliest days of America, from the era of the first colonialists until that powerful time when the founders declared the nation’s independence. In 1776 minister John Witherspoon, himself a signer of the Declaration, spoke of the providence of God, understanding Him to be “a wise and directing presence in their lives.” Their prayers were that God would direct and protect them. Frequently, during the Revolutionary War and into the Continental Congresses, national days of public fasting and prayer to beseech God’s favor were called for. They were, in essence, employing that portion of the Lord’s Prayer that says, “Thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven.”
In current times, the nation has too often rejected God and His ways, calling evil good and good evil. Yet, God still calls you to live righteously. “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. For it is shameful even to speak of the things that they do in secret” (Ephesians 5:11-12). It is time to remember that God WILL have His way on Earth as He most certainly does in Heaven, and pray according to His will.
Intercede today for the many in America’s government who do not know to seek the will of God. Ask that those striving for the plans of humankind will see the error of their ways, repent and turn to the Savior for redemption, seeking the will and favor of God for the nation’s future.
Today’s Verse: Jeremiah 29:11
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 39
I said, “I will guard my ways,
that I may not sin with my tongue;
I will guard my mouth with a muzzle,
so long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 I was mute and silent;
I held my peace to no avail,
and my distress grew worse.
3 My heart became hot within me.
As I mused, the fire burned;
then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “O Lord, make me know my end
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting I am!
5 Behold, you have made my days a few handbreadths,
and my lifetime is as nothing before you.
Surely all mankind stands as a mere breath! Selah
6 Surely a man goes about as a shadow!
Surely for nothing they are in turmoil;
man heaps up wealth and does not know who will gather!
7 “And now, O Lord, for what do I wait?
My hope is in you.
8 Deliver me from all my transgressions.
Do not make me the scorn of the fool!
9 I am mute; I do not open my mouth,
for it is you who have done it.
10 Remove your stroke from me;
I am spent by the hostility of your hand.
11 When you discipline a man
with rebukes for sin,
you consume like a moth what is dear to him;
surely all mankind is a mere breath! Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, O Lord,
and give ear to my cry;
hold not your peace at my tears!
For I am a sojourner with you,
a guest, like all my fathers.
13 Look away from me, that I may smile again,
before I depart and am no more!”
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
