The King's Heart Is in the Lord's Hand

Proverbs 21:1 says that ”The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."

When we look at the state of our nation, it is easy to become discouraged by the decisions of those who govern. Yet Proverbs 21:1 lifts our eyes from earthly rulers to the sovereign God who reigns over them all. No king, President, Prime Minister, Parliament or even Local Government is beyond His authority. Just as a farmer directs streams of water to accomplish his purpose, the Lord is able to direct the hearts of those in authority according to His perfect will.

This truth is not meant to make us passive but prayerful.

This Proverb doesn't teach that God can influence rulers—it declares that He already holds their hearts in His hand. Wow, that is a powerful thought. I believe that gives us as believers great confidence in sincere and righteous prayer, [not sourish prayer]. We are not trying to persuade a reluctant God to intervene; we are coming to the One who already reigns over every throne on earth.

God has always worked through a faithful remnant—ordinary believers who quietly obey His Word, faithfully raise their children in the fear of the Lord, and earnestly seek Him in prayer. Godly parents plant seeds that often bear fruit for generations. Those children become men and women whose lives influence their families, churches, communities, and even the direction of a nation.

In a democracy as ours, where leaders are elected rather than inherited, believers have a unique opportunity to be a godly influence. We should vote wisely, live faithfully, and above all, pray fervently.

Paul's instruction could not be clearer as he says in 1 Timothy 2:1–2: "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made... for kings and all who are in authority." 

Before we speak about our leaders, we are called to speak to God on their behalf.

I was pondering why this is so often absent from our corporate prayers. If every church faithfully and regularly prayed for those in authority, would we not expect God to work in ways beyond what we can see? The Lord who holds the king's heart in His hand delights to hear the sincere prayers of His people. He is able to restrain evil, grant wisdom, open hearts to truth, and accomplish His purposes in ways no human effort can achieve.

In saying this, I need you to understand that our hope has never been in government [and neither should it], but it should be fist-and-foremost in God, our Father. Therefore, let us be alert and awake and be a praying people, trusting that the One who rules heaven also rules over the affairs of men.

PRAYER

Father, thank You that You are sovereign over every nation and every leader was, is and will be. Forgive us when we are quicker to criticise than to pray. Teach us to be faithful in interceding for those in authority, trusting that You alone can turn hearts, and direct decisions. Help us to raise children who love You, and will shine as lights in this generation. May Your Church be known as a people of prayer who confidently rest in Your sovereign rule. In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.