Psalm 67 is a good reminder and prayer right before a national election.
1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, Selah
2 that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
3 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. Selah
5 May the peoples praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you.
6 Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.
7 God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Verse 4 particularly catches my attention…May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth. “Selah” at the end of this verse basically means “pause and think about it.”
Think about it. God guides the nations of the earth. Yes, we are to be informed and involved in the issues affecting our nation. Yes, we are to examine the presidential candidates. Yes, we are to pray for God’s wisdom. Yes, we are to discern the candidates’ competence, character, and convictions. Yes, we are to vote and exercise the privilege/blessing we have been granted in this country. But, no, we are not to fret, worry, or despair over the results. God is still on His throne and He guides the nations of the earth. I needed that reminder this morning.
Obviously Psalm 67 is one piece of the whole counsel of God. The classic verse, 2 Chronicles 7:14 also teaches us the principle of humility and repentance as we pray for our nation. If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Taken together, there seems to be a good balance. We are to be on our knees, praying for our leaders, confessing our sins, and seeking God’s face. We are also to stand with lifted hands thanking God that He is king over the nations and rejoicing in His sovereignty. It is sort of the Philippians 4:4-7 principle. We present our requests and anxieties to the Lord and then learn to experience His peace and joy as we trust in Him.
Lord, I pray for our nation. You have blessed us in so many ways. Yet we have forgotten You and taken credit for Your blessings. Forgive us. Guide us. Correct us. Whatever happens in this election, may I trust You and find my peace and joy in You.