One of the more interesting developments over the last quarter century or more is how freedom-loving people willingly give up more and more freedom for more and more government benefits which leads to more and more political conflict. 

This has become true locally, nationally, and internationally. We fight instead of cooperating. We choose sides instead of collaborating. We are seduced by power and its privileges. We see others as adversaries rather than as people with complementary thoughts. 

When we stop and consider the lessons of history, if in fact we do stop and consider the lessons of history, we know this leads to destructive conflict and not a promised paradise. 

Do we have a prayer? Yes. Turn with me to Psalm 120.

I took my troubles to the Lord; 
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer. 
Rescue me, O Lord, from liars 
and from all deceitful people. 
O deceptive tongue, what will God do to you? 
How will he increase your punishment? 
You will be pierced with sharp arrows 
and burned with glowing coals. 

How I suffer in far-off Meshech. 
It pains me to live in distant Kedar. 
I am tired of living 
among people who hate peace. 
I search for peace; 
but when I speak of peace, they want war!

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭120‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬

At first glance, the bottom line of this prayer is unceasing conflict. However, consider the end in light of the beginning.

I took my troubles to the Lord;
I cried out to him, and he answered my prayer.
(‭‭verse 1)‬‬

Peace-loving and peace-seeking people do have a prayer. This is the kind of prayer God loves to answer with his amazing grace, his never-ending love, and the presence of his perfect peace. 

Let every broadcast about political conflict drive you to pray to our Father in heaven who is ultimately in charge here. Pray for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done here and now as it is eternally in heaven. Jesus, a victim some might say, of political wars, taught us to pray this way. His resurrection demonstrates the authority and power of God in overcoming even the worst consequences of power-hungry people. 

It’s good to remember how, yes, we do have a prayer. We have a Father in heaven who loves to hear and answer our prayers. In his presence is perfect peace and perfect love and fear-free, joy-filled life. The people around us may want war, but recalibrate your soul to desire more of Jesus and all the benefits he brings to our hurtful, hateful world.

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I will choose God’s peace over every other power.

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Our Father, I am bringing my problems to you. I am deeply grieved by the power-grabbing, hateful politics of our day. I want more of you. I want more of you for me, for my family, friends, and coworkers. I want more of you for everyone everywhere. Deliver us from lying, deceitful ways. Amen.