By Scott Spreier
God:
A burning question, given the current wars and rumors of wars. A desperate query, considering the political and cultural strife rending our democracy, not to mention the sacred fabric of our once shared faith. A plea of sorts, if you’re listening:
Are you really on our side as the Psalms say, willing to go to bat for us? Or are you a “talking general,” waiting for us to take matters into our own hands, like Queen Esther in today’s Scripture?
Some of us, perhaps many, are sitting here today wondering. In our hearts we’re praying for the former, the easy way out. You know, just leave it to the “Big Guy.” But miracles are scarce nowadays, and our minds are filled with despair and doubt.
We could, of course, take responsibility for the mess we’re in and deal with it ourselves. But that would take an enormous amount of time and energy, not to mention patience and understanding and the ability to listen and not just shake our heads, speak our minds, wave our fists.
A suggestion, God, if I may? One you’ve no doubt pitched before, often to deaf ears: What if we worked this thing together? How about you coach us, and we handle the heavy lifting. Like the hymn we’re singing this morning: “He Leadeth Me.” (I’m sure you’ve heard it once or twice — it’s been sung for 160 years.)
What if you give us the vision, insight and strategy, and we execute?
Come to think of it, isn’t that what the Bible is trying to tell us? We should have picked up on that by now. But we’re just human. And, like the movies we watch on Netflix, we go straight for the drama and special effects, ignoring the storyline — a more believable narrative of your vision and guidance and our struggle as your sons and daughters to bring your plan to life.
God, as we sit here today, we ask you, we beg you, to lead us forward in this difficult time. We pray that you hear our cries, sense our anguish, understand our fear and frustration, and give us not only the understanding and compassion to see clearly the challenges our nation faces, but also the will and the power to ensure we stay on course and safely navigate this treacherous journey.
Amen.