1. Remember God is in complete control. He removes leaders and appoints them. Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings.” Take heart that no matter what, everything is coming to pass according to God’s perfectly wise and eternal decree. His purposes are good, holy, and just. Let us trust in Him. He works all things after the counsel of His will (Eph 1:11).
2. Cry out in lament for our nation. The wickedness of our nation and of our leaders is a cause for great grief. I’m thinking of the evil of abortion and all manner of lawlessness. “When the wicked rule, the people groan” (Prov 29:2). “O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you ‘Violence!’ and you will not save? Why do you make me see iniquity and why do you idly look at wrong? … the law is paralyzed, and justice never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous” (Hab 1:2-4).
3. Pray for our leaders. Pray for president Biden and for vice president Harris. Pray for those in our legislative and judicial branches. Pray for their conversion. Pray that “we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way” (1 Tim 2:2). Pray for a new awakening in our nation, that God will destroy the altars to Baal and that Christ would be trusted, loved and obeyed. Pray that our leaders will govern according to justice, and that God will hold accountable those who don’t.
4. Keep yourself from political idols. Psalm 146:3 says, “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation.” A president cannot save us, nor can any president thwart God’s purposes. Could it be that some put too much hope in political answers, such that their political desires lead to ungodly fear and anger? If so, then repent. “Little children, keep yourselves from idols” (1 Jn 5:21). Christ is all.
5. Remember Jesus Christ. He is seated at God’s right hand, making intercession for His people. He is advancing His kingdom and building His church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Matt 16:18). Let us rejoice in reconciliation to God through His blood, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, the Father’s good gift of the kingdom, and the certain hope of life eternal. One day our good King will right all wrongs, and He will rule with perfect wisdom and justice over all nations in the new heavens and the new earth.
Pastor Tom Hicks serves as the Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church of Clinton, Louisiana. He’s a husband and father, and he’s a sinner saved by the great grace of God in Jesus Christ. He received his MDiv and PhD degrees from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He believes the Second London Baptist Confession of Faith is a faithful summary of biblical teaching.
