By Rev. Dan Puckett, Life Action Ministries

Politics. Who needs it? We may not need it, but that is our system, and free elections are unusual in our world.

When the subjects of politics and power come up, what about Almighty God? Where does he fit in? You would think, if we call him Almighty God, that we might recognize who he is and the role he plays in the everyday affairs of people.

The Bible has much to say about the overruling hand of Almighty God. In the Old Testament book of Psalms, chapter 75, verses 6-7, we read, “Exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.” Nobody gets to a position of power and authority apart from God’s permission or direct intervention.

The New Testament echoes the concept of the overruling hand of Almighty God, in Romans, chapter 13, verse 1: “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.”

If God is in control and does whatever he wants, what makes the elections we just participated in critical?

God has initiated the home, the church and nations. Throughout biblical history, there is a pattern of God blessing or judging his people based on their allegiance and obedience to him. When people honor and bless God, they live in peace and prosperity, but if they forsake God and his commands and precepts, he will withdraw his hand of protection and blessing, and allow world forces to come against them.

This nation was birthed in freedom. Therefore, we have the right and the responsibility to pray for God’s blessing on our leaders, and we also have the responsibility to work within our system.

May God be glorified in our freedom!