This coming Monday the USA celebrates 240 years since the declaration of Independence from Britain. It comes on the heels of the United Kingdom voting to exit the European Union.
240 years ago the American Colonies were angry at being mistreated by King George and his British government. Britain is exiting the European Union because at least 50% of the electorate is angry with the way the European government is dealing with many issues that affect them.
The US Presidential election season feels unusually long and very angry this time around. What do all these have in common?
Injustice and Rebellion.
To be completely honest I do not know what to do or say about these affairs of State. I tried to wrap my mind around them for a while and quickly found that they are above my ‘pay grade’ as some say. But I have not given up! I know the ONE who understands it all!
Isaiah 55, emphasis mine
6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
7 let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts;
let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,
and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.
My response has been one of watch, but not too closely, wait with an attitude that acknowledges I am only one person yet I am one person who knows the creator and I have His ear because He has my ear.
I listen first as I pray for our country, asking our Creator what he wants me to pray. Good intercession is birthed in the heart of God. “Your will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
Recently, I have felt lead to re-read Ezekiel. My heart sinks at the judgments God allowed to come down on Israel calling them a rebellious house.
When I look at our current circumstances and our history I am tempted to become nervous. No, we are not Israel, but the principles are universal. Anger, injustice and rebellion are all things God will not tolerate forever.
The good news is that our God is also a God of mercy. I am so grateful that because of Jesus, Our Creator does not treat us as we deserve. Romans 2:4b reminds us that God’s kindness is meant to lead us to repentance.
How do I approach this 240th birthday? Personally, I thank God for and celebrate the freedom we have and for all the people who sacrifice to maintain it. I try to not take it for granted.
As I look forward I listen and pray that when it comes time to vote for all our elected offices in November, that I’ll know in my heart what I need to do. I seek the Lord while He may be found. I pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, knowing full well that I do not know on my own what His plan is.
What’s your plan?
Enjoy the long weekend in the USA and for those outside, may we all be grateful for the kindness and mercy of our Creator.
Psalm 103:
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
9 He will not always chide,
nor will he keep his anger forever.
10 He does not deal with us according to our sins,
nor repay us according to our iniquities.
11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;
12 as far as the east is from the west,
so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
13 As a father shows compassion to his children,
so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.
14 For he knows our frame;
he remembers that we are dust.
15 As for man, his days are like grass;
he flourishes like a flower of the field;
16 for the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
and its place knows it no more.
17 But the steadfast love of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him,
and his righteousness to children’s children,
18 to those who keep his covenant
and remember to do his commandments.
19 The Lord has established his throne in the heavens,
and his kingdom rules over all.
