The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. (Proverbs 21:1, NKJV)
The U.S. Presidential Election will be held in a few months, a quadrennial rite of passage that has been in the news almost constantly since January 2007. Two candidates are squaring off — Barack Obama 
for the Democratic Party and John McCain for the Republican Party. Yes, there are a handful of third party candidates represented but they have virtually no chance of becoming president.
Lots of people are not happy with their choices this year, particularly Christians who see that both candidates hold positions contradictory to their own. Pro-lifers won’t consider Obama because of his staunch pro-abortion views. Some conservatives are staying away from McCain because they believe he is a RINO — Republican In Name Only. I know of some Christians who aren’t planning to vote for president, believing that the best candidates are not running.
A Tale Of Four Kings
I’ve been giving a lot of thought to the elections and have come to an important conclusion, one that I believe God has revealed to me. It is this: whomever is elected president is subject to the authority of God, whether they willingly submit their lives to Him or not.
In particular, Proverbs 21:1 has ministered to me as I know that the next president will do nothing apart from the watchful eye of the Lord. From time to time God may actually intervene and change the president’s mind when it comes to an important issue, though we may not always see evidence of God’s intervention.
Along with this verse, I found four accounts in the Bible where God intervened in world affairs, changing the hearts of rulers to carry out His will. They aren’t the only kings who have had a change of mind down through the years, but they represent four whom God touched to reveal his divine authority in this world.
Pharaoh — Read the book of Exodus and you’ll find the spiritual battle that the children of Israel encountered as they attempted to leave Egypt. Pharaoh (king of Egypt) was none too happy when the children of Israel attempted to leave, hardening his heart six times (Exodus 7:13, 7:22, 8:15, 8:19, 8:32, and 9:7) before God finally hardened his heart the seventh time. God gave Pharaoh many chances to repent, but even after debilitating plagues virtually destroyed his country, Pharaoh resisted God. Therefore, to accomplish His will, God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.
Nebuchadnezzar — The arrogance of Nebuchadnezzar caught God’s attention, resulting in the king of Babylon being humbled. Even after tossing Daniel and his friends in a fiery furnace (Daniel 3), Nebuchadnezzar’s proud heart was lifted up before God. Apparently, Nebuchadnezzar’s praising of God at the end of the chapter was only lip service because in Daniel 4:32 he was driven away from men and he began to live as an animal (v.33). Once his appointed time of discipline had ended, Nebuchadnezzar returned to his senses and praised God.
Belshazzar — Chaldeans took over 
where Babylon reigned, but the arrogance of the former rulers was very present with the new rulers. The greatest offense was noted in Daniel 5:3 where it was noted that the Chaldeans had “brought the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of the house of God which had been in Jerusalem; and the king and his lords, his wives, and his concubines drank from them.” The fingers of a man’s hand were soon seen writing on a nearby wall, announcing God’s judgment on Belshazzar who lost his life that same night, replaced by the Medes. Though Belshazzar has a change of heart and gave glory to God immediately before his death, judgment was set in motion and his kingdom fell.
Cyrus — When it came time for the temple to be rebuilt, God used His people to complete the work. God also turned the hearts of rulers, particularly Cyrus, to allow the temple work to go through (Ezra 1:1 — “…the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all kingdom…”). This decree was later reaffirmed by King Darius (Ezra 6:1) when opposition rose up from Israel’s enemies who temporarily put a stop to the rebuilding.
Presidents, Nations, and all of the King’s Men
What I find startling about some Christians’ attitudes concerning this coming election is putting too much emphasis on the affairs of this world. Most certainly, where possible we should live at peace with all men, but there is something else that we should remember: the nations of this world are as nothing to God:
Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket, And are regarded as a speck of dust on the scales; Behold, He lifts up the islands like fine dust. (Isaiah 40:15, NASB)
Verse 17 brings it all home — “All the nations are as nothing before Him, They are regarded by Him as less than nothing and meaningless.”
If that doesn’t tell you how God views world affairs, there isn’t anything that can do that. Clearly, having a Godward view of this world will put everything back in rightful perspective.
Pray For Our Rulers
Now then, how should we live? Praying for our rulers is a command given in 1 Timothy, Chapter 2 so 
that we might live in peace and that they might be saved. That’s right, presidential hopefuls John McCain and Barack Obama need to know the Lord as do members of Congress, the U.S. Supreme Court, governors, legislators, local officials, our neighbors — everyone!
With that kind of attitude, the pressures we are feeling about this year’s election will fade away no matter who is put into office. Remember: Our God is in control!
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. (I Timothy 2:1-4; KJV)
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8:28 pm on August 22nd, 2008
Matt,
Thanks for the reminder of this verse and the significance/insignificance of earthly kingdoms. I participate in the Presidential Prayer Team that prays weekly for the president and all leaders, and I’ve signed up for the PPTs Pray the Vote to pray daily for the election.
4:02 am on August 23rd, 2008
Lillie, you are truly putting your faith into action. Though the nations are but dust to God, He still cares about them (and us) and directs us to intercede on their behalf. Pray the Vote sounds like a wonderful extension of PPT — thanks for sharing!
3:28 pm on October 29th, 2008
Thank you for such a good article. Today has been tough thinking about the pros and cons of the election turn out. We know what God says but as Americans it is hard to see our country going the way of Ancient Israel.
4:13 am on November 1st, 2008
Beverly, I can easily let my eyes slip off of the Lord during these times and be overly concerned with those things that I cannot control. My love for America is that we would follow God, but as you said, we’re heading down the same path as Israel, forsaking His ways.
6:03 pm on November 2nd, 2008
A good read Matt and I appreciate your insight on the election. However, I do want to note that it does indeed matter who we choose as God may not choose to change the next president’s mind on things, especially if their heart is harden. And sometimes God may make us live with the consequences of our choices, as he does many times. So I may not like either candidate’s stance on things; I will choose based on their character and values, because those do matter. We can’t always have the attitude of “God is in control”, but then choose unwisely. But I do agree that we need to pray for both candidates as they both need to be God centered.
Also, could you provide the scripture that says that Belshazzar repented, as I don’t believe he ever did. I’m not questioning you, but would like to know. Thanks.
5:06 am on November 3rd, 2008
Hi Ben,
I hope I didn’t give the impression that who we vote for doesn’t matter — it absolutely does. In fact, our vote should line up with God’s teachings on a variety of subjects, namely respect for life.
With this election (as all others) I try to learn who has a history of upholding the sanctity of life and who does not; only the person who provides some (if not complete) protection for the unborn and other vulnerable people gets my vote.
As far as Belshazzar repenting of his sins, there isn’t a clear indication of that, but he did recognize in Daniel 5:29 that God was at work:
“Then at Belshazzar’s command, Daniel was clothed in purple, a gold chain was placed around his neck, and he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
Back to the election — whoever wins the presidential election will be included in my prayers as per I Timothy 2:1-3 which says, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior.”
God bless,
Matt