Praying for Our Nation
I had planned to talk about this next week, before Inauguration Day, but considering the events that have transpired recently, I felt it necessary to speak on this now.
When asking God what He would have me say in this post, I was given John 14:16, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you.”
I recognize some you of may be fearful. You may be worried. The uncertainty of the coming days may be consuming your thoughts. Where is the peace in all this chaos? You don’t know how to feel or how to move forward. The events on the news resemble scenes from a movie. This is all so surreal.
I also recognize some of you, myself included, are frustrated and hurt, even angry. Discussions to include comparison of how last week’s events were handled versus last summer’s protests for black lives were, and still are, at the forefront of our minds.
The beginning of John 14 reads, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.” Even though Jesus is giving these commands to his disciples to prepare them for his departure, the words are still applicable. Do not be troubled. Trust in God. Trust in Jesus.
Let’s go back to verse 16 and study the verses that follow. “He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn't looking for him and doesn't recognize him. But you know him because he lives with you now and later will be in you. No, I will not abandon you as orphans – I will come to you. Soon the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Since I live, you also will live." (17-19)
"Soon the world will no longer see me." Wow.
I had a pastor that loved to remind us to look for the “but” in Scripture, stating there are verses that begin negatively but end with hope. We see the “but” in verse 19, “but you will see me.”
Look around.
It looks bleak.
It looks dark.
It looks chaotic.
But wait.
Do you see God? Do you see Him?
Look.
Look and see Him moving.
Look and see Him not being surprised by any of the events that have taken place lately.
The world isn’t concerned about the Holy Spirit. It isn’t looking for Him. Soon, the world will no longer see Him. But we see Him. We see God being faithful. We see Jesus calling us to the Father, telling us He is the way, the truth and the life. We see the Holy Spirit, our Helper, our Advocate, leading us down righteous paths. Jesus has given us His peace. The NIV of verse 27 reads, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
I admit, when reading verse 19 my chest tightened. It was a reminder that the world will get worse. But instantly, that thought could not stand against God’s truth. Jesus’s peace is with me. The world gives with conditions. Jesus loves us unconditionally and gifts us His peace, something the world cannot even offer.
I pray for peace in this land. I pray for the Holy Spirt, our Advocate, to help us. I pray that He shows us how to navigate these next few weeks. I pray for hearts to change. I pray for God’s love to flow. I pray for God’s forgiveness. I pray for His mercy. I pray for the Holy Spirit to intercede. I encourage you to pray for our nation. I encourage you to pray for our current leaders as well as those coming into office before this month ends. I encourage you to pray for God’s wisdom to lead us all.
For those who are anxious, don’t be. I know it’s easier said than done but believe me, no good comes from worrying. Pray. Trust God because He is in control. Accept the peace that Jesus freely gives. Know that He has given us His Holy Spirit who will never leave us. The world brings confusion and chaos. The Holy Spirit leads us into truth. As citizens of God’s Kingdom, let us shine our light in these dark days and pray for our nation.