I don’t think I can convey to you just how much I’ve wanted to think about something else.
Why spend time contemplating a situation that is out of my control? After all, isn’t that hopeless? and completely without merit?
Anger and frustration are engulfing Ferguson, Missouri with rioting and violence. It is accurate to say I can’t control that situation. My gut instinct is to stick my head in the sand. I want to say the problem isn’t mine. I’m good at that. Give me a few minutes and I’ll have more excuses, I promise.
However, over the last couple of days, I’ve been drawn to pray. Not just for the souls of men, and not just for Jesus to have mercy on all of us, though my heart longs for those things. Honestly, I’ve been praying for the Holy spirit to change my heart and mind ; to reveal my wrong thoughts and actions.
It is easy to say I’ve done nothing wrong, all the while not doing what is right…
Here’s what God’s Word says is good:
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy,
And to walk humbly with your God?
I’m not foolish enough to believe I can do this on my own. I know I need the power of the Holy spirit to do what He requires. And I also know that we live in a fallen world, where sin abounds, and that we will never see the fullness of true justice until King Jesus returns.
But, in the meantime He promises to be our help and our hope in our need. So, I ask Him:
Dear Heavenly Father, With the wisdom and strength you provide, let me see people, not a skin color. Give grace so that I’m able to acknowledge others for who they are – people loved by their Creator. Help me to live in humility, not looking down on those different than me. amen.
daily portion 