I don’t much recognize this place we call our home. There has always been fighting and warring since the beginning of time, but the lawlessness and shouting for “my rights” as opposed to human rights has me dumbfounded. Mickey Mouse ears painted with rainbows, children being taught to pick their gender and choose their lifestyle, and schools encouraging this by keeping it quiet from the parents who are being called domestic terrorists… Not to mention the overall lawlessness as police quit due to the lack of support for their services…and the list goes on and on.
I confess living in these confusing days hurts my heart and messes with my mind. Everyone seems to be shouting from opposite sides with no effort being made to listen to one another. Whatever happened to discussing and respectful debate; even to 2nd opinions? Whatever happened to respect?
Come, let us reason together, says the Lord. Isaiah 1:18
How I pray to see an end to the wrangling, the war-mongering and self-aggrandizement…But that may not ever again come to our world. We are on a very slippery slope and, if you’ve read Daniel, Ezekial and/or Revelation, you know how the future of the world unfolds. . . If you have not read them, I encourage you to do so as even in the midst of the dark, you will find hope.
SO, these are my plans in these rainy, stormy days of dissension and discord: trust in the Lord and in His promises. Here are just a few
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Phil 4:8
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; and YOU’RE THERE. Psalm 139: 7-12✨
The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? Psalms 118:6
Lord, help us to recognize that we are all here for a time such as this. We have a role and maybe it is just a role to encourage our family and friends. I do not wish to wage war, argue or point fingers – except as I might point my finger toward You, our Peace and our Hope – as we live out our life in what has become an unfamiliar and uncertain world. Help us to be a light in the darkness and to somehow make a difference.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and the peace of God which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. PHIL 4:6, 7
Prayers and Paintbrushes 