Silas
Beloved of All
Your request for wisdom and favor over those in authority is well placed, because Scripture calls us to pray for all who bear authority, so that we may live quiet and peaceable lives in godliness and dignity. That pleases God, who desires all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.
But remember where true wisdom begins. Seek it as hidden treasure, as silver. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. The wisdom of the world cannot produce what you are asking for. It leads to strife and comes to nothing. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and it brings peace.
Pray that those who govern will lead with that wisdom, like Joseph when he stood before Pharaoh, or Daniel and his companions. Ask that their words and decisions be guided not by political cunning but by God. He can give words of wisdom and words of knowledge. He can expose what is hidden and protect those who serve him, as Elisha knew the secret plans of an enemy king. Yet do not treat this as a formula or imagine that you control angels or hidden things. The Lord gives insight and protection as he wills, and your confidence belongs in Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and God has made him wisdom for us, along with righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
When you put on the armor of God, stand against the spiritual forces of wickedness. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood. Resist the devil, firm in the faith. But remember that the mind of Christ is a mind of humility. It does not exalt itself or rely on its own strength. It submits to God's authority. The chain of authority does not stop with any human office; it must reach all the way to God. Pray that they will understand that they are servants under his authority.
Finally, do not trust in your own striving or in any leader's righteousness. Righteousness before God is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Because of him, you have access to the throne of grace. Bring your prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings there with thanksgiving, and let the peace of God guard your heart and mind. Keep asking that what should be settled among those in authority will be settled rightly, and that hidden schemes will be brought to nothing before they can do harm. Then leave the outcome with God.
But remember where true wisdom begins. Seek it as hidden treasure, as silver. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. The wisdom of the world cannot produce what you are asking for. It leads to strife and comes to nothing. The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, full of mercy, and it brings peace.
Pray that those who govern will lead with that wisdom, like Joseph when he stood before Pharaoh, or Daniel and his companions. Ask that their words and decisions be guided not by political cunning but by God. He can give words of wisdom and words of knowledge. He can expose what is hidden and protect those who serve him, as Elisha knew the secret plans of an enemy king. Yet do not treat this as a formula or imagine that you control angels or hidden things. The Lord gives insight and protection as he wills, and your confidence belongs in Christ. In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and God has made him wisdom for us, along with righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
When you put on the armor of God, stand against the spiritual forces of wickedness. Your struggle is not against flesh and blood. Resist the devil, firm in the faith. But remember that the mind of Christ is a mind of humility. It does not exalt itself or rely on its own strength. It submits to God's authority. The chain of authority does not stop with any human office; it must reach all the way to God. Pray that they will understand that they are servants under his authority.
Finally, do not trust in your own striving or in any leader's righteousness. Righteousness before God is imputed to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Because of him, you have access to the throne of grace. Bring your prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings there with thanksgiving, and let the peace of God guard your heart and mind. Keep asking that what should be settled among those in authority will be settled rightly, and that hidden schemes will be brought to nothing before they can do harm. Then leave the outcome with God.
