Prayer for a Peaceful “Change”
Posted By Joe on January 20, 2009
Today we inaugurate the 44th President of the United States.
President Barack Obama takes office in the midst of very difficult times for the United States of America. We are in some of the worst financial troubles this country has seen in almost 100 years. We face numerous international crises and threats and internally, there are many challenges that await him.
I was having a conversation with a brother in Christ yesterday before Sunday service. We were talking about how when we start to grow in our prayer life, we begin to realize just how much there is to pray for. You start to move past yourself, your family, and other immediate needs and concerns and start to see that we have our broader communities to pray for: our local governments, our state, country and our world. You begin to see more and more issues to pray for and then when you finish those, you think of more. It's enough to make you feel overwhelmed at times. It's easy to get caught up in all of it and that's just what the enemy wants you to do.
Paul reminds us to rejoice! In uncertain times as we are living in, it's very easy to forget to rejoice about anything sometimes. But Paul says,
Rejoice in the Lord, always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. --Philippians 4:4-5.
When we get caught up in all these things going on, we need to rejoice that the Lord is near! And remember, He is a lot bigger than any of our problems. So, remembering to rejoice, that the Lord is near,
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the the peace of God which surpasses all comphrension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 4:6-7.
Frequently, Philippians 4:6 gets quoted, "Be anxious for nothing." But I think it's a disservice to forget about verses 4 and 5 which instruct us to first rejoice that God is near. When you realize that God is near, you can "be anxious for nothing."
Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. --Philippians 4:8-9.
President Obama is coming into office on the dreams and hopes of many Americans. Regardless of whether you voted for him or not, he will need all the prayers of God's people for the Lord to direct him, for the Lord to protect him and his family, and that God's will be done through his presidency. May Almighty God make him a great a president. May He Increase!
About the author
Comments
Leave a Reply