In Psalm 47 the Psalmist here praises the LORD as ruler over all the nations as he writes (vv. 2-3):

 “2 For the LORD Most High is awesome;
    He is a great King over all the earth.
   3 He will subdue the peoples under us,
    And the nations under our feet.”

In the ebb and flow of history, most fail to recognize that ultimately the LORD is in charge. He ordains the existence of civil governments (Rom. 13:1-7) and rules over them. Why do nations have the leaders they have?

“This decision is by the decree of the watchers,
  And the sentence by the word of the holy ones,
  In order that the living may know
  That the Most High rules in the kingdom of men,
  Gives it to whomever He will,
  And sets over it the lowest of men.” (Dan. 4:17)

Several years ago, just before a national election, I was discussing the election with a fellow gospel preacher and a man who I greatly admire for his godliness and wisdom. He made a statement that has stuck with me over the years. He said, “A nation gets the leaders it deserves.” He went on to explain that the primary overruling principle by which God judges governments is found in Proverbs 14:34:

“Righteousness exalts a nation,
But sin is a reproach to any people.”

Our nation seems to be descending into anarchy. Every day I pray that we as a nation will repent of our national sins. I have no illusion that every citizen in the country will stand for what is godly and righteous. I just pray a solid core of American citizens will reject the sins of abortion, homosexual “marriage,” rampant divorce, looting, hateful speech, substance abuse, etc., etc.

In Genesis 18 Abraham interceded on behalf of Sodom. God was going to judge and destroy the city for its wickedness. Abraham bargained with God that if only ten righteous people could be found in the city that He would spare the city. As Paul Harvey used to say, “We know the rest of the story.” In the very next chapter the destruction of Sodom is recorded. The conclusion is inescapable: the LORD did not find ten righteous people. That leads me to my point. What can you and I do to save America? It is simple: (1) personally live righteously according to God's ways, (2) persuade others to do the same, (3) and pray:

“1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

Our nation appears to be on the “eve of destruction.” I believe at this very moment “the King of all the earth” is searching the hearts of men to see if America is worth sparing. Let us dedicate ourselves to serving Him. In doing so WE may also save our nation.

Craig Thomas