Psalm 72

Bible Passage: Psalms 72

I was in the United States only recently and had the opportunity to witness and experience first-hand how the nation was so overwhelmed with emotions and differences in opinions; swamped with campaign ads and political rallies even in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, all in such a seemingly closely-contested race.

Having witnessed the political campaigns and election atmosphere for President / Prime Minister / Head of State in different countries in the last 10 years, very seldom have I witnessed this kind of raw passions and involvement of citizens from all walks of life. People I have met (at work, church, restaurants, cabs and etc.) were keen to voice out their opinions of the ‘ideal’ candidate and how the choice would affect the future of the country, their children and their personal and country’s faith.

The day after the Election, (again I have never seen) so many people were getting emotionally worked-up and upset over the results, and another half who was extremely elated and ecstatic.

At some points during my stay, I felt so compelled that the first and last thing I wanted to get ‘involved’ was to pray for this process – to pray for the nation, the people and the will-be-elected one. Before the election, I prayed that people made the choice with wisdom. After the election, I prayed that God would grant wisdom to the elected one to lead the country, and the world.

I then felt ‘Big’ – not in a physical sense, but the feeling that my eyes were guided to see and mind was refreshed to realise how truly important it is to pray for ‘all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God… who desire all men to be saved…’ (I Tim 2:1-4).

Very often our prayers focus on our own circles – family, friends and our family in Christ. As a result, we may have lost sight of the bigger picture out there – the mankind and their salvation; and our country leaders. In today’s reading, we read that the Psalmist prayed for wisdom and righteousness to be bestowed upon the king so he could lead the nation and God’s people with godly maturity.

Lastly, we read that the Psalmist sang praises to the Lord God and to His glory. At no point / verse the king was glorified. This is an important reminder to us that while we ought to pray for those in power and authority, we should not dwell into glorifying these people as if they were in the same level as God.

As Paul reminded us, ‘… by Him all things were created… whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.’ (Col 1:15-17).

I hope you are edified from today’s sharing, as much as I am.

Have a blessed week ahead.