I cannot shake this feeling of sadness and despair with the state of our country. I have found myself getting angry as well. I am angry at the way some people are responding. I am angry at the way some people are not responding. I am angry that I cannot safely do more. I am angry that the good stories and progress are being overshadowed by the terrible stories and hatred.
Like I wrote in yesterday’s post, one of the few things that we can control in every situation is our response. And each ill intended or ill informed response perpetuates the cycle of hatred.
I had several young adults tell me yesterday that they were frightened to leave their house and upset by what was going on in our country. I shared with them that I believe there are people their age all over this country that have lived with that fear their entire lives. Neither should happen. Several of them wanted to withdrawal because the negativity was too much to handle. But Jesus tells us in Matthew 5:39 “do not resist an evil person”. I encouraged them to spread their love instead and continue shining their light, because someone may need it.
Our local church had an outdoor worship event planned last night to celebrate Pentecost. And while the event was a wonderful time of fellowship, praise and prayer – we had to cut it short because of a locally imposed curfew due to violence associated with protests in our area.
I woke up this morning to more news of violence on both sides of this battle. I was brought to tears by some of the videos and haunted by some of the images.
While I know none of my experiences or inconveniences remotely compare to the injustice that many of God’s children have to endure – it does show that all of us are impacted. We cannot sit back and think this is not our problem. We cannot ignore it like someone else is going to handle it. But what do we do?
We turn to God.
It never ceases to amaze me that when I am troubled or I am seeking answers to a problem, how God reveals His answers and guidance at just the right time. I am currently reading four daily devotionals – a lot for me but I love all four books and cannot choose between them. Below are the four verses from the devotionals today in order:
John 8:12
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
Matthew 5:38-48
summarized as Jesus’ teaching on having love for your enemies – but please read it all.
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
There is our answer. Follow Jesus and never walk in darkness. Pray for and bless those who persecute you. Love your enemies, do not resist them, and devote yourselves to prayer with gratitude.
Pray with me and change the world with me.
Love God. Love Others – all Others.
Dadvotionals 