This week, I have tried to wrap my head around the senseless violence that we have graphically witnessed. I have experienced a sea of emotions from grief to outrage. My heart is overwhelmed with the depravity and endless carnage in the world. Assassinations, murders, contempt, brutality, wars, bullying, hate, rage, revenge. Jesus! How do we make sense of this? What can I do? I’ve prayed, I’ve written my congressmen, I’ve sat on committees and discussion groups to what avail? The lack of respect and sanctity for human life still permeates the landscape of our nation.
I was reminded twenty-two years ago during a time of intercessory prayer at TCC; the weightedness of God’s presence drove us to our knees. We wept and cried out for God to heal the racism and cultural divide in our country. I remember one visitor in a correcting manner declared out loud: “Oh that’s already over with.” My heart sank with her comment and the lack of awareness of what was to come and be exposed. God visited us that sacred evening and revealed his heart to our tiny prayer group; the depth of the prejudiced and bigotry still hidden in the hearts of some and that he would be coming to bring justice and lift up, promote and redeem the centuries of injustice especially to the African Americans. To this day my heart cries out to God to bring restitution and redemption to all who have suffered the centuries of being dehumanized, humiliated and abused. So this week as I quieted my thoughts, I believe he came with some clarity for prayer and understanding: “ In my distress I called to the Lord and he answered me,”(Ps. 120:1).
I submit to you the following for reflection:
Becky, you and many others are sensing the pain in my heart for my creation. This was not my intended plan in the garden, but as I chose to give man free choice, evil was also birthed. Even as I sent my Son to earth to bring life, abundantly, I have watched the darkness grow in the hearts of men and I feel the pain and anguish through my people. As I wept watching Mary’s anguish at Lazaraus’ grave, I still today sense the pain and continue to count the tears of my people, just as my servant David cried out to me: “You have taken account of my wanderings; Put my tears in Your water-skin, (Psalm 56:8).
Remember beloved when you observe and experience the pain and injustice of this world, know that I am with you and very aware: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places,” (Ephesians 6:12).
And in my time though it may appear that I linger, know that I will come and wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4). I will expose darkness and bring my righteousness and justice: "I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze and cut through their iron bars,” (Isaiah 45:2). Trust me and know that: “I will deliver you from the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you from the grasp of the violent," (Jeremiah 15:21). Always remember to: watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life, (Prov. 4:23; for if you entertain wickedness in your heart, the Lord will not hear, (Psalm 66:18).
Then I heard the following melody from years past. I believe it is a clarion call to the body to arise. It is time! Much of the world is lost in darkness and people in their pain and disillusionment need God! Be guided by His Spirit. Choose to move forward in the things he places within your heart, and in his love and grace touch a hurting world in His name. He is calling you!
People Need The Lord by Steve Green
Everyday they pass me by
I can see it in their eyes
Empty people filled with care
Headed who knows where
On they go through private pain
Living fear to fear
Laughter hides their silent cries
Only Jesus hears
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize people need the Lord?
We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong seems right
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear
They must hear the words of life
Only we can share
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
At the end of broken dreams, He's the open door
People need the Lord, people need the Lord
When will we realize that we must give our lives?
For people need the Lord, people need the Lord
