Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice;
    when the wicked rule, the people groan.

Probably citizens of every country can identify with this verse! The problem comes in defining “righteous” and “wicked.” Lots of names are being thrown around in the US these days, painting rivals, and rival groups, with a broad brush, but God knows the heart of each individual. Yesterday I was talking with people from Hong Kong, and believe me, Americans have it easy! One person works for a government-owned company, and his employment contract stipulates that he must never criticize the government, or he will be fired – or worse. Another person expressed hope that the current head of the CCP will be deposed at the Party Congress next month, but that still won’t change the system. Americans have little to no idea how good they have it, but there are still those who agitate to copy China! As Psalm 146:3 says, “Do not put your trust in princes, in human beings, who cannot save.” Psalm 118:9 stipulates that the alternative is to take refuge in the Lord. That certainly sounds like good advice to me! Even in modern democracies we have little say over how our leaders act, even if we have a say in their being chosen. We need to fix our hearts on God and His kingdom, even as we pray for those in leadership. (1 Timothy 2:1-2) At the same time, we need to encourage those around us who are groaning, as this verse says, that God always has the last word. This world is temporary and fleeting. We are accountable for how we behave in it, but our hearts are to be in eternity, along with our citizenship. (Philippians 3:20)

Living in Japan, the situation here is definitely on the better end of the scale, but there was a shakeup in the recent election, so prayer is certainly called for. The devil doesn’t like having a Christian as Prime Minister! I can’t vote here, naturally enough, but I can certainly pray. I do keep track of things in the US, but also in various other countries, and particularly in China. I pray the first half of the Lord’s Prayer a lot! There are many reasons to look forward to the Lord’s return, but I’m looking for the great harvest of souls before then. Meanwhile, I’m to “comfort the groaners” and proclaim the Gospel, trusting God to be God and work everything out.

Father, thank You for this reminder. I do get caught up in the news at times, and I am heartbroken at some of the deluded posts I read on Facebook, particularly from people I know. Help me stay grounded in You, led by Your Spirit, so that Your will may be done in and through me for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!