Very soon, we all have the opportunity to vote. Did I just hear a collective sigh or was it a groan? I can certainly understand reasons for those responses. It’s been a challenging season.

I’m not going to tell you how to vote or discuss any of the issues that have been dredged up during these campaigns. What I do want to do here is to remind us of our Biblical directives concerning our government and its leaders. What are we commanded to do for authorities? Do we have to obey them? What promises are we given if we do what the Bible says?

First, we are commanded to pray for our government leaders. “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…” (I Timothy 2: 1-2a). This describes some pretty in-depth intercession for our leaders.

Second, do we have to obey our government leaders? The answer is “yes” and “no.” It is “yes” because of this: “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. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment.” (Romans 13: 1-2) This verse says that our government leaders are there because God has a purpose for their presence in that role for that season. If we resist them, we are resisting God and will incur judgment. The “no” portion of the answer is when an earthly authority asks us to do something directly against God’s commands. In that case, we must do what God says first. A classic example of saying “no” is seen in the life of Daniel as described in Daniel chapter 6. The king, encouraged by those who did not like Daniel, declared an edict. It stated that everyone was to bow down, pray and worship only the king. After the edict was issued, Daniel went to his room, as he was accustomed to doing, opened his window and prayed as usual to God instead of to the king. Daniel obeyed God’s first commandment, “You shall have no other gods before me” (Deuteronomy 5:7) rather than the king’s edict. Even though Daniel was thrown into a lion’s den, God blessed Daniel for his obedience. This example gives us evidence that we may need to disobey governmental laws BUT, ONLY if they are in direct contradiction to God’s clear commands; not just our personal preference or fear. We need discernment if we are ever in a position similar to Daniel’s.

Just as Daniel experienced God’s blessing by sparing his life, God promises blessing for our obedience in prayer as well, since it says in 2 Timothy 2:2b “…so that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.” I like the sound of those promises!

According to these scriptural directives, I believe that we need to spend less time complaining about our leaders and more time praying for them. I can also find myself befuddled about the current state of governmental affairs and leaders. I also know that whatever happens, God is still in control. We cannot, nor should we try, to override God’s plans. “For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men,” (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Let’s vote and then commit to obedient, fervent prayer for our leaders whether we like them or not.

Author of a second book, “Journeys in Faith, Pursing Obedience,” containing more than 50 additional devotionals written for The Minot Daily News.