Whether we realize it or not, America is suffering loss. We have been losing the American lifestyle slowly and subtly for several years. Our freedom is under attack. When an individual suffers loss there is a grieving process he or she goes through. The same thing is happening in America. We may not be aware of it, but a grieving process has begun.
First there's been denial. Many have been unable or unwilling to admit that anything has been lost. They might see the country today as making many advances--more freedom--when in reality this is not the case. Our economy and our defense has taken a very large hit. We have gotten so distracted in trying to bring fairness to every single situation, that we have not noticed the looming threat building up against everyone.
It's been very subtle, just as an aging parent or loved one slowly declines into ill health. When you see them every day you don't notice the decline as much as when you compare their quality of life to 30, 40 or 50 years ago. As Americans begin to wake up to the losses she's been suffering--through restrictive laws, violence or threats and fears of violence--some may choose to stay in denial because if they admit the reality of what is going on, it's just too uncertain and fearful for them. Denial feels better, but of course is a dangerous place to be.
Then there's anger. Many are awakening, coming out of denial and getting angry. They see how far our defense has fallen as we begin to experience, not only threats, but actual attacks of violence and greater frequency of less noticeable attacks like fraud and identity theft. This is where many people are right now--some in denial, some in anger. What comes next?
Once a person wakes up out of denial, the anger needs to be dealt with. Some anger is felt towards lawmakers and some towards the violent, the lawless and the intimidating. Some may be directed inwardly, for example if we have not voted or voted without being informed, resulting in lawmakers who do not have the country's best interests at heart. However, when we allow the anger to change into energy for prayer and, if necessary, repentance, then we will gain the humility and wisdom that is necessary to put us on the right path to recovery. Proverbs 11:2 says that with the humble is wisdom. Humility will open our hearts for the wisdom of God to be revealed to us.
We need wisdom so we don't act impulsively and let our anger take us in the wrong direction. Yes, it may be that the government has gotten the country into a mess, but who is the government?--We the people. We don't want our anger to lead us to do impulsive and foolish things, yet, we are not to cower in fear either. A fearful heart is in panic, is impatient, impulsive and irrational. None of these are from the Spirit of God which He promises to those who believe in the Lord Jesus. We must make our decisions while influenced by the Spirit of God--from a heart of faith, peace, patience and love. This is a trustworthy, stable path. When we truly understand the love that God has for His people, we will be able to trust Him and follow wherever He leads us. We will understand that He is the only one who can truly lead to green pastures and still waters.
Take a look at what is going on in America and in the world today, but don't get overwhelmed and stick your head back in the sand as you begin to see it. Humble yourself before the Lord and pray, seek His wisdom and get going on the path He has for you. Do it confidently knowing that the safest and most productive path to be on is the path of His will for you.
Ecclesiastes 9:14-18: There was a small city with few men in it and a great king came to it, surrounded it and constructed large siegeworks against it. But there was found in it a poor wise man and he delivered the city by his wisdom. Yet no one remembered that poor man. So I said, "Wisdom is better than strength." But the wisdom of the poor man is despised and his words are not heeded. The words of the wise heard in quietness are better than the shouting of a ruler among fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good.
No comments:
Post a Comment