God's On His Throne!

Today is Super Tuesday, which means that a large number of states are holding their primary elections or caucus meetings today.  As I write this, the outcome of voting today is unknown; and, frankly, I’m not very interested.  What does interest me is the importance that many people in America are placing on today – even many Christians.

Last night I read a comment on social media quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14 and applying it to 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.”  I have heard this application from well-meaning Christians and pastors my whole life, but I don't think it follows correct Biblical interpretation. 

This verse is in the middle of a speech God made directly to Israel’s king Solomon upon the completion and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem.  The context makes it clear that it is intended to speak to God’s chosen people, the Israelites, around 960 B.C. – not the people of our country in 2016 A.D.  While I believe that God still hears and forgives those who humble themselves, pray, seek him, and turn from wickedness, we cannot use this verse as a “formula” to ensure God’s blessing on our land.

To be honest, I’m not sure that America hasn’t already reached a point more appropriately expressed in Psalm 81:11-12 (also originally written about the Israelites) or Romans 1:18-32 (originally written to describe God’s response to the wickedness of all of mankind):

“But my people would not listen to me; Israel would not submit to me.  So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts to follow their own devices.”

“The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness . . . for although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened . . . Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts . . . to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done . . ."

While the situation does seem bleak for our nation, and both those running for the presidency and those voting for them seem misguided at best, thankfully there is more to the story than what America has to offer.  God is still sovereign – regardless of who wins an election or what happens to our nation!  While I appreciate the freedoms of the country I live in, I do not place my trust in them – but in God alone.  With or without America, I have a secure future.  To quote a song we used to sing with our children:

“God’s on His throne – no need to worry;

God’s on His throne – so I can rest;

God’s on His throne – and I can trust Him;

Almighty King – God’s on His throne!”

People live and people die, nations rise and nations fall; but God will always be in control, and my future is in his hands – not the hands of any politician who might “win” today.  The ultimate “win” is being loved by my Creator and walking closely with him on this earth until I get to spend eternity with him!