We’ve all heard of the “Wedding Bell Blues”  (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkMhWQgkZ8c), a hit song by the 5^th Dimension.  But have any of us heard of the “Election Day Blues”?  I’ve sure got a case of them…

In the US, we will be going to the polls to vote in the 2012 General Election.  Our choices for candidates will vary between Republican, Democratic, Constitutional, Green, Socialist, Communist and other lesser known parties.  What a blessing it is to be able to participate in open elections for governmental offices.  Men have shed their blood to give us this right, and for this, I am thankful.  Our Lord has been so good to us allowing us to live in a free country such as ours.

In spite of the continued blessing of freedom, my discouragement stems from the fact that I truly believe that our country, as well as many governments, worldwide, are headed downhill and, without an act of divine intervention, will continue on a course to utter spiritual ruin.

Our Bible gives us the only remedy for our national ills…

THE SCRIPTURE:

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn.  (Pro 29:2)

THE STUDY:

Based on our text, the Lord makes it plain that our only hope is for our Lord to raise up Godly leaders who will look to Him for guidance and put His desires first for our nation. It breaks my heart when I realize there are very few men and women willing to do this in today’s time.

When was the last time you heard one of our public leaders stand up on the floor of Congress and ask for our leaders to meet together in prayer, to seek The Lord’s desires for our nation.  This is what our nation needs, and yet, I have NEVER seen this type of request come from anyone holding high public office.   How many leaders use Scripture to persuade those around them during a time of debate?   In the few cases, I’ve seen them use a verse from the Bible to support their stand on any issue, it was always presented as an afterthought, never as the central basis of the decision they have made.

Many of the candidates we have put into office claim to be a Christian, and yet how many have put Christ and His desires first once they get into office?   Abortions continue, the Word and prayer is continuing to be removed from schools, euthanasia is on the increase, and yet what is really being done about it?  For the sake of the electorate, many of our leaders give these issues lip service, but once in office they seem to do nothing about them.  So, I find myself giving them my precious vote only to be disillusioned after a few years of seeing them in office.  This is why I am feeling the “Election Day Blues”.

THE PRACTICAL APPLICATION

For the Christian….

The only hope for our nation is found in the Lord.  The Lord will have to raise up Godly men and women who are willing to not only mention His name, but follow His desires for our country.  What is our responsibility in all of this… I believe it is two fold:

1. seek the Lord’s will concerning running for public office and taking a stand for Him. (Matt 16:24)
2. pray for divine intervention in the coming elections and our national ills (2 Chron 7:12-15)

For those who have never trusted in Christ…

Think about what is taking place in our country… Is it in better condition now than 20 years ago?  If not, ask yourself, Why is our country going downhill?  The obvious answer is that our country has turned from its spiritual foundation, the Word of God.  Just as a country’s condition worsens without God; so too, any individual who has left the Lord out of his life is headed for coming destruction.  Recognize your condition; turn to Christ; and recognize the need for His intervention in your life.

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Mat 11:28-30)