“Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish” (Psalms 146:3-4 ESV).
The history of the kings of Israel and Judah is a tragic one. For although they occasionally had a good king, they were few and far between. Even among those who were considered good, they were of course imperfect. For they were mere men. Yet the people of God often looked to them, rather than trusting in the Lord.
This is why the psalmist warns against putting your trust in human princes. Instead, he counsels that true blessing is found by those “whose hope is in the Lord his God” (v.5).
We are blessed to live in a nation with a representative form of government where we have the freedom to elect our leaders. But let us be careful not to put our trust in them for our salvation. For they are mere men. They will always disappoint. Only God is worthy of our complete trust.
Therefore, let us pray for and submit to our leaders, but let us put our trust in the Lord. For He alone is able to save.
PRAYER: Dear Father, You are sovereign over all things. We put our trust in You. We pray for our nation and for the newly elected leaders of our country that will begin their terms next month. Yet we look to You to guide them as we submit to their leadership. For You alone are able. Strengthen us to declare the Good News of Your Son, until the Day when all nations bow to Him as King. In Jesus’ name, amen.