Pastor's Ponderings, May 4, 2015

Be Still and Know That He is God

On April 19, 2015, Freddie Gray, a 25-year-old African American man living in Baltimore, Maryland, died in police custody. As a result, riots broke out in a number of large cities and talking heads presented wildly differing explanations about the cause of the unrest. Depending on one’s political persuasion, one can say the main cause was the political-economic system, Mr. Gray’s fault, or simply a random unpredictable set of events. 

The Bible says that there is a time for every purpose under heaven (Ecclesiastes 3:1).  We can scream, cry, point fingers and blame people, places, and things or we can say that this is God’s day and in spite of the extraordinary events, we will rejoice and be glad (Psalm 118:24). 

This is not to say that we are to hide our heads in the sand by staying away from political discussions.  However, those who love the Lord must ask Him what should we do (Proverbs 3:5, 6).  Should we march carrying signs, write letters, petition our leaders, or should we begin to seriously and simply pray, thank God for His guidance, and rejoice because of what He is doing (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)? 

Paul Washer wrote, “Live on your knees. Anything that can be accomplished without prayer is not worth pursuing." In these confusing times, let us continue to pray to our God, thanking Him and rejoicing in Him.

Ecclesiastes 3:1
New International Version (NIV)

3 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens:

Psalm 118:24
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24 The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Proverbs 3:5-6
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5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
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16 Rejoice always,
17 pray continually,
18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.