When A Government Shuts Down

 

When A Government Shuts Down (By Gary Patterson)

As of this writing, the American government has been shut down. It has caused a lot of turmoil in the lives of many people; especially those with government jobs. With out a paycheck coming in, how will those with families support them? Airlines are having a crisis because of the empty air watchtowers. There is such a divide in our legislature, that the two political parties could not be further apart. In the Congress, and the Senate, they are not cooperating to get things accomplished. All they are doing is blaming each other. How in the world can we get anything accomplished in this type of climate?  

 When a government shuts down, the Bible doesn’t give direct instructions for that specific scenario—but it does offer timeless wisdom for how believers should respond to political uncertainty, leadership failure, and societal disruption. Here's what Scripture encourages:

Stay Prayerful and Peaceful

- Pray for leaders: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority…” (1 Timothy 2:1–2). Even in dysfunction, prayer is a powerful response.

- Seek peace: Romans 12:18 says, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Don’t let political chaos breed personal conflict.

Even though there are many issues that need to be addressed, and worked through; it does not help when we are not at peace with one another. If there was ever a time when we should pray, it is now! What a difference it would make if Democrats and Republicans took time to pray together, as they work together, to come up with solutions to the problems facing our nation. One issue that is on the table is that of health-care. I don't want to get into the different views on this issue; only to say, that prayer would bring God into the equation. God should be included in all of the meetings dealing with this great issue, as well as all the rest.

Trust God’s Sovereignty

- God is still in control: Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases.” Governments may falter, but God’s rule never does.

- Do not fear: Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you… I will strengthen you and help you.” God’s presence is constant, even when institutions fail.

Our beginning as a nation was embedded in the sovereignty of God. I honestly believe that God intended from the beginning of time, that America would be in existence. As the pledge that we later adapted says that we are to be "One Nation Under God." At one time we allowed God to direct our paths as a nation; but now we have drifted so far away from this, that we have become a nation that just does what the people feel is best in their own eyes, as the nation of Israel did in Old Testament times.  In our human wisdom, we have made a mess out of things, instead of allowing God to be sovereign in our lives, and in our decisions.  

Care for the Vulnerable

- Step up when systems fail: Matthew 25:35–40 calls believers to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and care for the sick. If government services pause, the Church can be a refuge.

- Defend justice: Isaiah 1:17 urges, “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.” Shutdowns often hurt the most vulnerable—Scripture calls us to act.

I believe the church has a responsibility to be God's vehicle of love, wisdom, and care. There is so much we can do to bolster our nation, and help it to succeed in meeting the needs of those who are vulnerable, who are in need, who have no one to turn to in time of crisis. 

Obey God Above All

- Respect authority—but not blindly: Romans 13:1–7 teaches submission to governing authorities, but Acts 5:29 reminds us, “We must obey God rather than men.” If government actions contradict God’s commands, faithfulness to Him comes first.

From the beginning of the formation of this nation, God did come first. We made a strong statement in the charter documents of the new American Colonies, that we were to obey God, and place Him as first and foremost in our daily lives, and in the operation of government affairs. Things are so much better, when we obey God first, as far as the welfare of our nation. But as we have seen in the Bible, that God's people have gone through rough times, when they chose to obey God, instead of a worldly government.(Daniel 3, 6) 

In short, the Bible calls us to be prayerful, compassionate, courageous, and anchored in God’s sovereignty when governments falter. It’s not about panic—it’s about purpose.

When A Government Shuts Down (Study Guide)

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