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Reflect
Every day, our politicians give updates on the coronavirus pandemic. In some locations, restrictions are easing and the news is good. In other places, the virus is still rampant.
At times like this, it’s easy to be critical of our leaders. ‘If they’d done something sooner, we wouldn’t still have this many COVID-19 cases.’ ‘Why are they so slow at re-opening businesses? Don’t they know I need to get back to work?’ ‘This is all a government conspiracy. They can’t tell me what to do.’
I think most of our politicians have done a wonderful job in difficult circumstances, but I too have jumped on the ‘criticism bandwagon’ at times. There’s one leader in particular who seems to annoy me every time he opens his mouth. Surely, it’s okay to criticise him!
However, Paul suggests a more radical approach.
I urge … that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim. 2:1-4).
Remember that our leaders are navigating a minefield no one could have predicted. Sometimes we’ll agree with their choices and sometimes we won’t. But even if we believe some politicians aren’t doing the best thing by their constituents, isn’t that all the more reason to pray for them?
Here’s a challenge for all of us. Every time we feel like criticising a leader in the next week, let’s pray for them instead. It will make a difference.
Pray
Dear Lord, our leaders have a huge burden on their shoulders. Please place men and women around them who can provide wise counsel and support. Please help our leaders to make the best decisions so that this virus will be eradicated and our communities rebuilt. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ponder
Q1 What are some of the good initiatives that leaders have introduced during this crisis? Spend some time giving thanks for those things.
Q2 What specific issues are facing the leaders in your city, state or country? Spend some time asking God to help your leaders make wise decisions in those areas.
Photo credit – Free-Photos on Pixabay
Scripture from the NIV Bible. Click here for the copyright notice.
11 Responses
Yes, I agree. Thanks for this article, Nola. Look at what Scott Morrison has faced since coming to power – drought, bush fires, and then COVID. He’s looking tired. A lot of them are. Not surprisingly. Yes, may God give them strength and wisdom for these times and look after their families too.
Thanks Jeanette. It’s easy to forget what our leaders have been going through. This certainly wasn’t the year they imagined and it’s been full-on. A lot of them are looking tired and it must be a huge burden. I wrote this blog partly to remind myself of what I should be doing. Let’s keep lifting them up in prayer. Thanks for commenting.
And to add to his (ScoMo’s) situation, early on in the onset of the pandemic, he lost his father… but no-one knew until recently.
I didn’t know that, Ray. That must have been especially difficult. It’s easy to expect our leaders to carry on regardless, but we can forget they’re people just like us, with all of the usual human highs and lows. But they have the added pressure of having all of their highs and lows reported in the media. A good reminder to be more gracious. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, the report of it was only put out within the last month, I think. He held it so well, praise God for him and his steadfastness.
Such a great encouragement, Nola. It reminds me that the Bible encourages us to dwell on what is good. Dwelling on what is goods helps us. Just like forgiveness helps us as well. When we focus on the negative or harbour unforgiveness, our hearts will harden.
It’s so easy to criticise and even though it may be warranted at times, we are called to love.
Thank you for sharing, Nola.
Thanks for that, Elaine. So true. I was writing that post as much for me as anyone, as I’ve been too quick to criticise at times. But prayer really does change the atmosphere, so I’m trying to turn those thoughts into prayers. It’s amazing to think what would happen if we all joined in praying for our leaders and the tough decisions they have to make. Thanks for commenting.
Thanks for your insightful, thought provoking post that puts into word and, even better, prayer what concerns myself and others.
Thanks Ruth. I need to remind myself of this one constantly. It’s so easy to be critical, but our leaders are facing really difficult challenges. I’ve been trying to pray for them more. Thanks for your comment.
Yes, it is Biblical to pray for the leaders over us. I believe you hit the nail on the head on your reflections. Our old nature wants to really let those who annoy us have it, but we have no idea what burdens they are carrying. God has placed those in authority over us for a purpose. When that purpose is fulfilled, He will send us someone else. In the meantime, I choose “Faith over Fear”. Thanks Nola for giving me this link. I will read the rest. This will make an excellent publication.
Thank you for that Jan. I have to keep reminding myself of this. There is so much negativity on social media about different politicians and I find it easy to join in if I don’t like something that person is doing. But they are all facing an unprecedented situation and they are all deserving of the same grace God shows us. They are trying their best under very difficult circumstances and I wouldn’t like to be in their shoes. I have been watching the lead-up to the American election with interest. I really appreciate your comment.