A Moment of Silence
Though it is a beautiful sentiment to hear “Let us have a moment of silence for….”, I wish words of faith, hope and encouragement were said out loud. I know God hears our “inside voice” prayers, but Jesus said, “When you pray…SAY: “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name…..”
I visited with Dr. Google a few minutes yesterday and found that there are 32 countries currently in conflict, and the types of conflict vary widely. There is terrorist insurgencies taking place, like extremist groups who engage in violent activities to achieve their political goals.
Civil wars are prevalent around the world. Those conflicts arise from political, economic, and social issues, and often involve different factions within a country fighting against each other.
Drug wars are another form of conflict that can result in significant violence and unrest. Then there is ethnic violence that arises from tensions between different ethnic groups within a country.
So, no question about it, we are in perilous times. Many people are consumed with fear because of the atrocities committed by our enemies, near and far. I have friends who tell me their children are afraid, and they, themselves are living in fear about what this day and tomorrow may hold.
With the outbursts of violence around the world, no wonder people are afraid. All of us could speak words of fear. “If this could happen in Israel, it could happen in our own cities.”
We could be speaking words of fear, anger and hatred. But I refuse to go there. My hope is built on the SOLID ROCK. That old ROCK-solid song says: “When all the earth around me is sinking sand, on Christ the Solid Rock I stand. When I need a shelter. When I need a friend….I go to THE ROCK.”
I know I am accused of being an optimist, always looking for the good in everything in this “dirty, rotten world”. But, never has it been more important than now for us to LOOK UP….for that is where our help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord.
As Winston Churchill once said, “We have nothing to fear except fear itself.” Fear – NO! But, we do need fervent, audacious, faith-filled, believing prayers that move mountains (enemies).
2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “If my people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.”
The most strategic, powerful weapon against all the demonic forces in this world is still PRAYER. May we pray relentlessly and ask God to do the fighting for us. He never ignores the prayers of his people. Our fervent prayers are the most important weapon in conflicts.
We are reminded that as darkness becomes darker, it is the light of Jesus that must become brighter. It is His light that brings love, peace, and hope. It is in His name that we see and find goodness and that’s why even in the face of tragic events, “With God, ALL THINGS are possible” to those who believe.” (Mark 9:23)