“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” (Psalm 121: 1-3 KJV) We need a nation of believers, those whose hearts know that our strength comes from God and whose souls know that we are a good nation because He wills it, not because of a group of political figures who feel that God is no longer the highest power on the earth. We are failing as a nation because there are too many people who care only about themselves rather than for others, our values have become encumbered with secularism rather than obeying God’s commandments, and too many people have been swayed by selfishness and jealousy rather than loving their fellowman for their own distinct qualities.
We need to fight to communicate, for healthy discourse, for compromises, and a solid respect for each other’s rights. Weapons bring only blood shed and wounds that will never heal the real conditions of our souls; we don’t love one another as Christ loved us. Until we as a nation realize the value of peace, we will continue to fight like blind, deaf, and dumb animals. Peace brings hope, and hope brings love to each generation. We owe it to our children to be beacons of peace, hope, and love for each other, our families, and our country. By being peaceful, hopeful, and loving, we will be what God wants us to be, His obedient children.
As members of the twelve tribes of Israel, the whole world needs to see the “pure river of the water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22: 1-2 KJV) Just as America is divided against itself and against so many political and social issues, the entire world is facing an uncertain future, plagued by health and economic problems, saturated with the shedding of blood and countries led by Satan-like leaders, and a disrespect of certain inalienable rights of life, religious freedoms, freedom of speech, and the individual’s pursuit of happiness. We cannot manage our world by ourselves; we need God’s help to protect His loving creation and the future of our children.
In closing, “The peace of the Lord is for you, me, and all of God’s children. The peace of the Lord is among us right now; open yourselves to receive it. The peace of the Lord kept within cannot live; open yourselves to share it.” (Evangelical Lutheran Worship, Augsberg Fortress, 2006, #646) God’s peaceful harmony is what we all need, no matter who you are or what nation you live in. The river of life flows through our hearts. All we need to do is put our boats in it and let God do the rest.
Anna Hartt
