My thoughts have been consumed by my country as I pray for the upcoming election. Sunday, I was in charge of watching the kids in the library which gave me the time to read some different Bible passages as I was thinking about the state of my country. How easily the prayers and situations of the prophets seem to coincide with all that our country is going through.
In the passages that I read I kept seeing the importance of first confessing one’s own sin. When we come in with repentance and humility we can present the needs of our country.
Daniel 9:3-5 "So I turned to the Lord God and pleaded with him in prayer and petition, in fasting, and in sackcloth and ashes.
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands, we have sinned and done wrong. We have been wicked and have rebelled; we have turned away from your commands and laws." This is my own confession as I desire it to be my country's confession.
2 Chronicles 20:3 "Then Jehoshaphat was afraid and set his face to seek the LORD" How much I am like Jehoshaphat I fear for the state of my country. I want God to preserve this country for himself. 2 Chronicles 20:15 "Thus says the LORD to you, 'Do not be afraid and do not be dismayed at this great horde, for the battle is not yours but God’s" How comforting! God calls us not to be afraid but know that he is in control of the battles both physical and spiritual. Verse 16- 18 we will go out to battle and trust in the Lord and he will give us cause to rejoice (v. 27)
Nehemiah 1:3-11 "The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.
Nehemiah’s Prayer
4As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5And I said, "O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, 6 let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel your servants, confessing the sins of the people of Israel, which we have sinned against you. Even I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses. 8Remember the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples, 9 but if you return to me and keep my commandments and do them, though your outcasts are in the uttermost parts of heaven, from there I will gather them and bring them to the place that I have chosen, to make my name dwell there.' 10 They are your servants and your people, whom you have redeemed by your great power and by your strong hand. 11O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man."
Like Nehemiah I have a deep sadness for my country. Like the wall that surrounded Jerusalem was torn down so our moral wall is coming to ruin. While The Israelites were reassembling after being scattered my prayer has been for the Lord's mercy, that he would not bring destruction upon us by our own hand. It is so important to keep up our wall of defense as an individual and as a country, not letting our worldview be torn down by those who would have us live in lies.
Who knows how this will be read four years from now, or even tomorrow night.
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4 comments:
Hey Lindsey, good to hear that you are doing well. I know how you are feeling, just remember that even though we as a nation are turning our backs on God, he has not turned his on us. God loves us and this world so much that he gave his only son so that Jesus may die for our sins to be washed away and all those who except Jesus as their Lord and Savior may have everlasting life. John14:1 Jesus said "Let not your heart be troubled believe in God, believe also in me". Yes this country is morally decaying but with prayer and individuals like us Lindsey we can spread the word of God at home and abroad, like what you are doing right now. Just keep your head up and that infectious smile on that pretty face remember God our Father has not forgotten about us and he will be our source of strength in these trying times. talk to you later Chris
Hola!
It's hard to believe you've been down there two months already. Looks like you are doing well. May God's grace continue to make you a light and not "a white distraction" as you said.
Jose returns from overseas on Dec 5, when do you return?
Sam W
I get back Nov. 25!
Hi Lindsey
Just wanted to say Hi. I have been keeping up with you! Thought you like to know were having another boy! Children are God"s little treasures! I know you have been a blessing to the kids in Peru!
Love Kendra
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