In my last several articles, I stressed our absolute need for the presence of God, both in our personal lives and in our corporate life. It is the only way we can overcome the trials of life and it is the only way we can return to the national blessings we have enjoyed in the past.

We are constantly bombarded with the voices of zealots and politicians promising that they alone can return to us the blessings we think we deserve or desire. But, without God in the picture they are all just what Jeremiah described – broken cisterns that can hold no water.

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water.” – Jeremiah 2:13

The voices of many so-called Christian leaders are also calling out – “If you don’t support Donald Trump, you are voting for Hillary!” That is as stupid as saying Jesus was supporting Rome because He did not support the Zealots of His day. Or some voices are loudly declaring, “A vote for Trump is a vote for nuclear war!” They also have forgotten that it is God who raises up nations or puts them down. For the most part, they have forgotten God all together! When you go to the voting polls, and I believe you should go, you need to vote the way God tells you to vote and be sure you are hearing God, not some modern day zealot.

Just remember, Jeremiah was persecuted by so-called believers in his day because he did not support his leaders. But, Jeremiah decided to support God instead of man, and in the end he won! Some tried to blame him for the 70 years of captivity Judah went into in Babylon but, that was false. The people of Judah got what they deserved because they deserted God and it was God that gave them the 70 year captivity for their own good.

It is the presence of God that we need. I have written about this in The Need for Truth, The Presence of the Lord is Today, and Entering the Rest of God, but there is a very important ingredient in entering His presence that I want to present here – the power releasing ingredient of Thanksgiving.

King David discovered the necessity of it in entering God’s presence –

“Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.” – Psalm 95:2

“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” – Psalm 100:4

We all want good government, we all want prosperity in our lives, we all want honest, just leaders, and we all want secure futures but, what we must realize is – NONE OF THESE THINGS ARE POSSIBLE WITHOUT GOD’S PRESENCE! 

Instead of going the way of the world – campaigning for corrupt politicians who are promising the make America Great again, or give us more food stamps, free college, or more welfare programs – all empty promises without God – broken cisterns! Why not enter into God’s presence with Thanksgiving to gain real help in time of need. Everyone has something they can be thankful for – Americans more than most.