Is anyone feeling discouraged yet? Is it just me? Is anyone else concerned about the condition of our state, let alone our country right now? For that matter, is anyone concerned about the condition of our hearts right now?
I am.
Yesterday wasn’t what I would call a great day. Without going into too much detail, the morning started with emotional pain, and it ended with emotional discouragement.
While not a fan of Covid, I have been trying to use this time in productive ways. I’ve worked on projects around the house. I have read a lot. I have learned to play the piano, and find myself sitting there almost every day. We’ve been playing games as a family. We’ve been going on walks and using our backyard quite a bit. So even in the midst of change – in the midst of this pandemic – opportunities have come that I truly appreciate.
What I don’t appreciate is the division. What I don’t appreciate are the crazy, immature, antics of politicians. I am tired of the “press.” I am tired of the propaganda. I am tired of the deceit. I am tired of the soapbox presentations on Facebook and any other platform possible. I am tired of people acting blindly – even stupidly. I am tired of the lack of care for mankind. I am tired of hidden agendas. I am tired of criminal acts and moral decay being lifted up as if it is some kind of “right.”
I have come to realize that by my very nature I am more of a black and white thinker. It doesn’t mean that I can’t sometimes see or feel a gray area, but for the most part, I think things are more clear than that. Things are either right or they are wrong. Things are either sinful in nature or they are good in nature. So for me, I find that a great piece of my frustration lies in the fact that for many of my countrymen, they would prefer to allow everything to just be gray. Everything is permissible. Every choice allowable. And not only should this be, but everything should also be without consequence.
(If you were sitting in the room with me, you may wonder why the long pause? Why do I now stop typing? I’ll tell you I am overwhelmed by the sheer disconnect of this “logic!”)
I am stunned by the division in our country. I am stunned by the ease of which we are manipulated. I am stunned by the attempt of Christ-followers to try and force Jesus and his teaching to fit our agenda, instead of trying to follow His. I wonder if politically we choose sides based on the character of a person verses the actions and closest alignment to the truths found in the Word of God? I wonder if some of that confusion comes from simply not knowing the Word of God? I wonder why we as Christ-followers aren’t investing more of our time in reading, studying, knowing God, as well as time on our knees in prayer – seeking Him out – asking for help – direction – wisdom and discernment?
I made the decision this past week as I finished the book I was reading in the New Testament that I needed to return to the book of Psalms. I’ve said it before – it’s a go-to book for me. This is especially true when I am hurting. There is a soul bearing transparency there that connects with my heart.
As I was reading today, I took comfort in what I read. I am not going to beat around the bush – there are some very wicked people doing some very wicked things throughout our country right now. Their actions are not stemming from love, care or compassion for others, their actions are stemming from evil. Their intention is not to bring about good, their intention is to steal, kill, and destroy. Sound familiar? It should.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Every tool of communication is sending a message that evil is on the rise and the godly are silenced. That which is good no longer exists. It’s a lie. It’s a one-sided presentation. It attempts to silence through fear those who would speak out against it. God is good. There is nothing good apart from Him. And here’s the thing friend, God is not dead. God has not been removed from His throne. God has not lost His sight and He has certainly not lost His hearing! Perhaps He is sifting us now? “Who will cry out to me? Who will seek me in this time of confusion? Who will plant their feet on the firm foundation that can only be found in me? Who will use the weapons I give to fight the good fight? Who will recognize that I desire dependence on me, and not an independent people? Who will remember my faithfulness? Who will remember my power? Who will seek me?”
Perhaps we should use the scriptures as the cry of our hearts. Perhaps we should pray them back to God and not be content to just “sit in the stew.” “End the evil of those who are wicked, and defend the righteous. For you look deep within the mind and heart, O righteous God. God is my shield, saving those whose hearts are true and right.” (Psalm 7:9-10) Yes, LORD! May we be reminded that it is You who protect us! Father, we ask that you would end the evil of those who are demonstrating wickedness around us. LORD, we ask that you would defend those who are living for you and desire to live their lives with you!
“But the LORD reigns forever, executing judgment from His throne. He will judge the world with justice and rule the nations with fairness. The LORD is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. Those who know your name trust in you, for you, O LORD, DO NOT ABANDON THOSE WHO SEARCH FOR YOU.” (Psalm 9:1-10 emphasis mine) LORD, help me not to try to take on your role of judging. Instead, help me to trust you with it. Help me to trust that you are still at work. That you are working on our behalf and on behalf of truth. LORD, you have not, nor will you, abandon those who search for you. That means you have not abandoned me, even if my circumstances make me question it. LORD, renew my hope and trust in You. May my heart be unwavering in its love and devotion toward you.
“For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless. He doesn’t ignore the ones of those who suffer.” (Psalm 9:12) “The wicked will go down to the grave. This is the fate of all the nations who ignore God.” (Psalm 9:17) All the senseless and evil killing – racially driven, hatred driven, power-driven, fear-driven – whatever the reason for the senseless killing – murder – LORD, you see. You care. You will avenge. Every innocent life taken. You will avenge. You are not ignoring those who are suffering. LORD, I ask that you will guide our actions. I ask that you will lead us in the truth. I pray that we would never confuse our American ideals with Godliness. I ask that we would live in obedience and right relationship with you. I ask that you would move in our hearts. I pray for a platform of truth and transparency to open up. I pray that you would remove the scales from our eyes so we can clearly see. I ask that you would empower us with courage and the strength to follow your lead. Increase in us daily, that which brings you glory and honor.
In Jesus name, Amen.
Blessings!