“Righteousness exalts a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
The definition of righteousness in this passage describes blameless conduct and integrity. It insinuates that the justice, right actions, and right attitudes that God has and desires would be in His people also. God is our divine Creator and we are called to imitate Him in righteousness and justice.
When we think about justice, it only takes a minute before our mind thinks of government. I can’t pretend to know everything about government or governing, but God does. And one thing is clear: righteousness is God’s right way of doing things. And when His people pray, He promises to hear and act on behalf of righteousness.
Prayer is necessary.
My obvious prayer is that righteous men and women would be raised to a place of authority in government, but what if my prayer goes unanswered? What if our leaders are not those who seek after and honor God? No worries. I am confident that God is still watching over us. And just as He was able to reach and save us and establish all believers in righteousness through faith in His Son Jesus, I am confident He desires to do the same with others– including all current and future leaders.
So when we are prompted to pray for the United States, remember to always pray for salvation. “For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10). It is God’s desire for every person to be saved, so it is right for us to pray that our government officials find salvation in Christ.
Don’t take this lightly.
The Lord is turning up the volume of our prayers, so we should pray for an awakening in America. Let’s pray for healing revivals to break out; for powerful moves of God to take place in churches, bible studies, break rooms, and college campuses. Let’s pray for the glory of God to fall on our nation. No matter how things look, or what’s being reported in the news, we should never neglect our responsibility to pray.
As we pray for the men and women in government, we are essentially asking God to uphold us. He said RIGHTEOUSNESS WILL EXALT A NATION. And when this prayer is answered, the people of that nation will rejoice and be happy!
But prayer without effort isn’t enough. We must also use our rights to VOTE in the local elections. We cannot promote righteousness without action.
There is no one (not one man or woman) that can save our nation. Isaiah 43:11-12 says, “I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no Savior. I have declared [the future] and have saved [the nation in times of danger], and I have shown [that I am God]…” (AMPC).
Ultimately, we trust in God. But He is trusting us too– to pray and take action.
