And tomorrow we vote...

On the eve of Super Tuesday, in which we Alabamians will be casting our votes for the party primaries, social media is abuzz with opinions about who and who not to vote for. As we prepare to vote, I pray for God to give us all wisdom. Speaking of wisdom, here are some Scriptural principles that I believe we Christ-followers must build into our thinking:

The Lord God reigns over the affairs of his earth, no matter how it might look...

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. (Psalm 145:13 ESV)

O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, enthroned above the cherubim, you are the God, you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; you have made heaven and earth. (Isaiah 37:16 ESV)

Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. (Romans 13:1 ESV, italics mine)

Fear should never be the motive for our choices, including our vote...

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10 ESV)

For God gave us a spirit not of fear, but of power and love and self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7 ESV)

There is no fear in love, for perfect love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18a ESV)

We must allow our politics to become an idol, on which we hinge our hopes (See my previous post on this: Politics and Idols)...

"I am the Lord your God...you shall have no other gods before me." (Exodus 20:2-3)

We must pray - for wisdom, for the election process, and for the leaders who come out of it, no matter who they may be...

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions. (1 Timothy 2:1-2a ESV)

So, with that in mind, I offer up this prayer from author Max Lucado:

Dear Lord,
You outrank any leader. You hold sway over every office. Greater is the occupant of Heaven's throne than the occupant of the White House. You have been good to this country. You have blessed up in spite of our sin and you have guarded us in spite of our rebellion. We unite our hearts in one prayer. Let your kingdom come. Let your will be done. Please, speak through the electoral process to reveal your leader. This we pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen.