A few years ago, I was so upset about the events in my country that I had trouble sleeping. I prayed a lot about it, increasingly troubled by what was happening, and asked God that my country be more like my childhood, that we would repent and seek Him, and that my country be one He could bless.
God’s answer?
“Do you love your country more than Me?”
That question made me examine myself, and the answer wasn’t as quick and good as I wished. God had to work on me.
Put them in fear, O LORD; Let the nations know that they are but men. (Psalm 9:20)
For the kingdom is the LORD’s and He rules over the nations. (Psalm 22:28)
God reigns over the nations, God sits on His holy throne. (Psalm 47:8)
Arise, O God, judge the earth! For it is You who possesses all the nations. (Psalm 82:8)
I don’t know for sure about your country, but many countries are under God’s judgment for rejecting Him, for their evil ways. Nations pay consequences for their peoples’ choices.
For the day of the LORD draws near on all the nations. As you have done, it will be done to you. Your dealings will return on your own head. (Obadiah 15)
And, according to Romans 1:18-32, God has given us over to our own, self-centered, anti-God choices. This is called God’s wrath of abandonment. Alas!
God, help! We want to love you with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strength (Mark 12:30). We want to have no other gods before You, including our countries. (Exodus 20:3)
Let’s resolve to praise Him, our righteous judge, for both His blessings and His judgments. He always does right.
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Father, forgive me for putting my country, for putting anything, ahead of You. Help me love You with everything I am. Help me praise You. Help me glorify You with my entire life.
