Yesterday I watched the 5:30 world news and heard all the re-hash of the capitol riot, mobilizing the National Guard in Washington DC and in major cities because of the fear of extreme violence, impeachment proceedings for President Trump, adjusted inauguration plans for President Elect Joe Biden, his first 100 days and various sound bites and opinions on all of it. Then, last night as I was trying to wind down from a long day, I read through Facebook messenger an article from a dear friend, “What is Going on in DC?”, giving at totally opposite view of all the previous news reports I had heard earlier.
That’s a good question, “What is Going on in DC?” Who really knows? Who is telling the truth? Democrats or Republicans? Trump or Biden? Pence or Harris? CNN or Fox? Does anyone really know?
In light of the uncertainty of what could and what will happen in the next five days, what can we, God’s people, Christ’s followers, citizens of Heaven first and earth second do? How can we respond? Who can we call? What can we do? That is the question that came to mind this morning as I spent time in Psalm 136. As I meditated a few minutes a few things come to mind.
First, we can pray! We know and have access to “a child…born, a son…given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end.” Who does not long for and desperately need wonderful counsel, confidence in God’s might, everlasting care, and peace this January 16, 2021? So…we can pray and expect to hear from God the Father, the Son, the Holy Spirit.
- We can pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (Matthew 6:9-13). God’s will is the best will!
- We can pray for those in places of authority and know God is Sovereign over each one. He will have the final word, the final say. “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever He will.” (Proverbs 21:1). It is God’s will to pray for and seek to be subject to governing authorities (Romans 13:1-7). So pray for President Trump, President-elect (even though disputed) Joe Biden, VP Pence, VP elect Harris. House speaker, Nancy Pelosi, congressman, senators, cabinet members, military leaders, governors, mayors, counsel persons, commissioners, police chiefs, fire chiefs, health care officials. We, they all need God’s counsel, peace, healing, wisdom, unity, rescue, deliverance, redemption, forgiveness, restoration…so pray.
- We can pray for our pastors, ministers, spiritual leaders to preach and teach the unfailing, enduring, powerful and life-changing and life-giving word of God (Isaiah 40:8; John 1:1; Matt. 5:18; 1 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12,13; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). Our lives are transformed through the Word of God so that we don’t fall into the patterns, ways, and beliefs of this world but are transformed into the image bearers, representatives, and light shiners of Jesus Christ. Romans 12:2 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- We can pray for our family, friends, and neighbors who are all in the same boat. All are wondering, fearing, and questioning what is about to happen. What can they do? What should they know? What will our existence look like January 21, the rest of 2021, the next four years, the next 10 years? So pray for each other. James 5:13–16 (ESV) “Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. 14 Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
Second, we can remember. I wrote an article at the end of 2020 entitled, Do You Struggle with Spiritual Amnesia or Dementia? Psalms 78, 111. These Psalms remind us that if we are not intentional to remember, we will forget. That has been a great struggle for God’s people throughout all times. When we forget what God has done, we let our focus, our trust, our hope drift from our Father, Savior, Holy Spirit to lesser gods and idols of wood, metal, and stone. We put more stock in Facebook than God’s book and look to men for what only God can do. We will be left distracted, defeated, depressed, disappointed, and disillusioned. The good news is that even when we forget God, He remembers us in our most distant, distracted, discouraged states. Psalm 136:23-26, “It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His steadfast love endures forever; and rescued us from our foes, for His steadfast love endures forever; He who gives food to all flesh, for His steadfast love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever.”
- Remember His Love. The word’s “steadfast love” is from the Hebrew word, Hesed. It is translated loyal love, faithful love, eternal love, mercy, everlasting kindness. It is used 36 times in Psalm 136, once in each verse. The Message translates it as His love never quits. Paul wrote to Ephesian believers a prayer that they “may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” (Eph. 3:18, 19). Remember, God loves you with and unconditional, unfailing, everlasting love.
- Remember His Promises. I once read that there are 7,700 promises that God has given us in His word. I can’t confirm that number, but I can affirm that God has made more promises to us, His people, than we can comprehend. Here are a few that pop in my mind. “I have come that you might have life and have life and have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep…I am the Good Shepherd. I know My own and my own know me, just as the Father knows Me and I know the Father, and I lay down life for the sheep.” (John 10:10-11, 14) “And my God will supply every need of yours according to the riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19). Read the word and highlight and recall his promises throughout the day. There are more than enough for whatever you may face.
- Remember His Works. What can you recall that God has done in your life, your family, your church, your state, nation, and world? The best way to remember is to give thanks daily. When we do, we are able to refocus and regain peace and confidence. “The Lord is at hand, do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:5-7). Think about his works and give Him praise and thanksgiving every day. A great time to do that is just before you go to bed. Take five minutes, think about your, day and write what you are grateful for that day. Psalm 111:1–4 (ESV) “Praise the Lord! I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation. Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them. Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever. He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the Lord is gracious and merciful.” You will sleep better and you will wake up better when you remember His amazing works.
- Remember One Another. Remember that you are not alone as a follower of Jesus Christ. Remember that we are better together than alone. So make it a priority to invest in relationships with your family, friends and the body of Christ. When I write the “body of Christ” I am not talking about the organized, institutional church, but the true church, God’s people gathered and scattered every week. Jesus, established His church and will keep it until He comes back to take us home. “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:18-19. Jesus taught us to love one another (John 13:34,35; 15:12, 17) and prayed for us to be one as He and the Father are One (John 17). The pastoral epistles, Romans-Jude are filled with “one another” instructions. Love, support, exhort, encourage, pray, be patient with one another (Rom. 10:12; 12:16; 13:8; 15:7, 14; 16:16; Gal. Eph. 4:1-3, 32; 5:21; Col. 3:9,13; 1 Thess. 4:9,18; 5:11; Hebrews 3:13; 10:24; Jas. 5:16; 1 John 3:11, 23; 4:7-9,11-12; 1 Pet. 1:22; 4:9; 5:14, not exhaustive but good start). Look for a future article on this aspect of the church and Christ followers, called, “What if?” from Psalm 133.
Third, we can live life. Live informed lives by monitoring the news, seeking to know the truth as much as possible, but don’t become consumed. God has a will and plan for each of our lives that is personal, powerful, and purposeful no matter what happens in Washington today, January 20, or after the days after. I believe that God is preparing us, His people, His church for the greatest opportunities to share the Gospel and make disciples that we have known in my life-time and in recent history before. Light shines the brightest in darkness not in light. You can shine a flashlight on a bright and sunshine filled day and not discern the light that is shining. You shine that same flash light on a dark, cloud covered night, and the light is bright, illuminating, giving light to walk or drive forward into the night. So, we can live and let the light of Christ shine in and through our everyday lives. “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and glorify you Father who is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:14-16). How can you let your light shine?
- Let your light shine at home. My professor at Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Howard Hendricks use to say, “Don’t try to export what you don’t possess.” Our first and most important priority is to love and lead our family well. God established the home before He established the nation, state, city or the church. Husbands and wives, fathers and mothers, parents and children are given clear and powerful responsibilities to live by at home. If you are not sure what your responsibilities are, read some of the following passages: (Husbands and wives, Eph. 4:21-33; 1 Peter 3:1-7, mothers and fathers, Eph. 6:4; 3:21, children, Eph. 6:1-3; Col. 3:20). Get it right at home before trying to make it right at work, school or church.
- Let your light shine to your neighbors. Neighbors can be the people who live in physical proximity or those you bump into as you go about your day or people you connect with virtually. How can you let light shine to those you bump into every day? Start by asking with true concern, “How are you doing? How are you doing with Covid 19? How are you doing in the face of political uncertainty? How are you doing at work, at home, in school, in life?” Truly listen and be concerned and if led and able, offer real help. This past week as I ran into people out and about, I simply asked some caring questions and was amazed by the responses. The server at Applebees, “I see you are wearing a cross neckless, are you a Christ follower.” Here answer was surprising and confusing, “I believe in Jesus but I am not a Christian. I don’t attend church. I just believe in Jesus.” This opened up and amazing spiritual conversation. The counter clerk at McDonald’s, taking a break with her lap top open. “How are you today? Are you a student? How is school going? How are you doing in the midst of Covid and the political uncertainty? She shared several things. I asked if she was a person of faith. She affirmed, “Yes and I attend Emmanuel Baptist Church.” To the waitress at Cracker Barrel, “How is your day going? How can we help you earn another star on your apron? Do you have a family? How are they? Her response, “There are not any more stars I can earn, but thank you for asking.” Then later, “Yes I am married, have been for six years and I have two children, a boy and a girl, 3 and 4”. My wife, Tina and I were then able to encourage her as a young, hard-working wife and mother. Now you may thinking is all you do eat out all the time. No, but truly you can engage people wherever you bump into them and shine the light of Christ: your neighbor as you get the mail or you take a walk, the server at a restaurant, the barista at a coffee shop, the store clerk or cashier, the service writer at an auto shop, the custodian at your work, the receptionist, and the list goes on and on. Be aware of your surroundings, the people you see, and be curious and concerned.
- Let your light shine in the market place. Whether you are an employ or employer, an owner or hired worker, a supervisor or team member you and I have an amazing opportunity to shine the light of Christ to fellow workers, employees, owners, associates, supervisors and co-workers. How can I shine light at work? Again, scripture speaks to this directly. Start by giving your best effort no matter your position or lack of position. “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23–24). Be honest and trustworthy because that is what your Savior and Lord is and calls for in His followers. Matthew 22:16 (ESV) “And they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are true and teach the way of God truthfully, and you do not care about anyone’s opinion, for you are not swayed by appearances.” As his followers we are to speak and live in the truth. 2 Corinthians 4:2 (ESV) “But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God’s word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” Ephesians 4:25 (ESV) “Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.” How refreshing, how powerful for God’s servants to speak and live truth in the market place, in the government halls of state and nation. Truth is so rare but so powerful even today.
- Let your light shine everywhere. God has called each of us to unique places, positions, purposes. You’ve heard the term, “bloom where you are planted.” In the same vein we can say, “Shine where you are stationed.” You may not be in the most desirable of circumstances at the moment. You might be in a dead end job, and over-worked health profession, an underfunded education institution, a conflicted marriage, an uncharted parenting season, a life limiting or even threatening illness or injury. Good news! You are not alone. You are not without help. You are not without hope. Some of the greatest light shiners for the gospel I have ever encountered were in a hospital or hospice bed, had a rebellious child who ran off the track, just got fired, were falsely accused or slandered. When you are in life’s pits, dead ends, and traps, and you can still smile and radiate joy and confidence in the midst of darkness and uncertainty you will shine the light of Jesus brightly. You are shining a light that is brighter than human determination and effort. You are shining the light of a redeeming, rescuing, restoring Savior! You will share hope to the hopeless, love to the unlovely, truth to the liars and deceivers, help to the helpless and life to the lifeless.
Back to our original question, “What can we do? What can I do? What can you do?” Actually there is a lot we can do other than rant and rave on Fakebook, tear apart on Twitter, Irritate on Instagram, grip and complain to the server, clerk, health care worker, accuse and slander the opposing party members, the competition in business, other churches or other believers. The question is not what can we do, but what will we do? It is in your court my brothers and sisters. What will you do?
Gregg Zackary, Jan. 16, 2021
RESTORING HOPE 