It’s hard to check our social media or open a newspaper these days without seeing extreme violence here in our cities and overseas in war zones. On top of it all, we can’t turn on the television or radio without seeing or hearing all the domestic political campaign messages—complete with the hateful and combative language that seems to come with them lately. For faith communities, trying to make sense of it all has become a weekly, if not daily, endeavor.
It’s not our imagination. Times are a bit trying right now. Even while enjoying beautiful fall weather and unseasonably warm temperatures in some areas of the country, we are reminded that many coastal cities, who were affected by Hurricane Matthew, are trying to dig out, put their lives back in perspective, and assess long term damage. Certainly, we want to help the natural disaster survivors with donations, just as we want to understand viable solutions for stopping the violence in the Middle East and our cities here. Whether we want to focus on it daily or not, we want to see positive results in the end for our own country. But, we can’t do it all, and we can’t be sure of whether or not we are doing the right thing all the time. Is prayer enough for the hurricane victims? Is participating in political banter at work appropriate? Is shutting the television off when we see yet another bombing or military strike somewhere in the world a callous and insensitive thing to do?
Psalms 46:10 tells us: “He says, Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (NIV) We can take comfort in this somewhat because God is telling us that He has our backs. He has everything under control, and in time, the world will be restored to what we think of as “normal” or settled. However, by “be still,” I don’t think that He means we should do nothing. We have to stick to our Christian values, and we have to understand our role in this often-tumultuous world around us. God always asks of us that we do our best—that we stick to our core values—and that we use His Word to inspire and edify others. During difficult times, this is no different. In fact, it should be amplified to meet the need in the world and in our communities.
Experts tell us that in times of stress or uncertainty, we should maintain our health and wellness, we should surround ourselves with friends and family or other people who hold similar values to our own, and we should pray, worship, and engage in church fellowship like we always do. Currently, it’s evident that everyone is searching for answers and comfort. With looming elections, escalating violence here and overseas, and natural disasters that threaten the most innocent of citizens, adhering to prayer sometimes seems the only thing we can do. I urge you all to see the importance and power of prayer.
Psalms 62:5-6 says, “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken” (NIV). A lot of people talk peace and serenity or salvation in the face of terrible things. We must always remember the power we each have to stand by our convictions, live by example, pray, spread God’s Word and His love, and remain strong in the face of all that challenges us.
