“Was it only last week? It feels like a month! Events are changing by the minute, I can’t keep up with it.”
I was speaking to one of the vendors for my laboratory. He could not believe that it was only a week ago that we were discussing a mutual supply chain problem. Few events in the history of the world have occurred with such rapidity as the COVID-19 pandemic. The vertigo-inducing pace of the current events is staggering: the closure of cities and entire countries, social distancing, and trillions of dollars spent all to deal with the horrific effects of COVID-19 pandemic with no end in sight. Our leaders give us daily updates but for many, they are either acting too quickly or too slowly, and doing too little or too much. They are in the difficult position of balancing the needs of millions of competing voices, special interests, and working with the rest of the world to coordinate a coherent policy.
In the United States, we are certainly allowed to voice our opinions and disagree with the decisions our leaders make. The internet and social media have certainly facilitated this behavior but too often, it leads to shouting and strife rather than conversation and cooperation. Christian believers have also joined in the clamor, leading to fierce disagreements over how our leaders should govern. However, even if Christians hold competing views with our leaders, all Christians should be committed to praying for all of our leaders and for those who work with them.
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-4 (ESV)
Regardless of one’s political affiliation or preference, we should always be praying for our leaders. Different political parties were in power during the start of the great recession of 2008. I prayed for our leaders then and I pray for our leaders during this current pandemic. Whether it is last week, last year, or ten years from now, God encourages us to pray for our leaders. This does not mean we have to agree with everything they do or say but we should be praying for God to grant them wisdom and discernment to lead our nation.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 