And the LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.
[Gen 6:6 NKJV]
Thousands of years ago, God looked on the earth and grieved in His heart. He regretted that He had made man. Man, because he was given free will, had turned away from God. Mankind had turned and had become fully evil.
Today, as I read some headlines and updates on situations happening around our country, I can see how God was grieved then and must be grieved now. Our nation is so cold and godless. People are fighting to keep businesses and their livelihoods. Yet, instead of prayer I see only protests with flags. Not that those forms of pushback are not worthwhile, because they can be beneficial. The issue is that this country is not in a standard battle but rather a very large spiritual battle. And, God has not been asked to help in the fight.
So many think the only recourse they have against “people” is to go to court. However, God is greater than any attorney, city council, or judge. God’s court is the final court and wins, but only if we let Him in. When we fight against the spirit world and evil principalities we must have God in the fight with us. [Eph 6:12 NKJV]
My heart grieves because no one is praying. I see no prayer vigils, outdoor worship, or gospel singing at these businesses. God has not been asked to help, at least not publicly. How wonderful would it be if business owners began doing what Joshua did at Jericho? By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days. [Heb 11:30 NKJV]
What a sight to behold it would be if they, and others surrounded, marched around, prayed, and sang worship songs around businesses that are being targeted. I don’t know what God would do, but at least He could see He was being invited to the fight. When Joshua followed God’s commands and marched around Jericho, God brought the walls of Jericho down! God was in control of that fight.
By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.
[Heb 11:30 NKJV]
Many of us can’t join the frontlines fight. But God! We can pray for these business owners; pray for the government members; pray that some followers of Christ will step up to lead and to help them fight the Jericho way.
Dear Jesus,
My heartaches. You are our wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace, Almighty God, our Everlasting Father. All you want is for us to turn to you, but so many are trying to get through this on their own. You haven’t been invited to the fight. Lord, I am sorry. I can’t even imagine the grief that God feels because we haven’t turned to you. Our nation is crumbling and needs you so desperately. Yet, because the love of many has grown cold, and people don’t know you and your love, we are a nation that is falling apart at the seams. We knew our nation had to crumble at some point, Lord. It is so difficult to watch, though. Jesus, please give us strength as things progress – as things get worse. We love you. Help us live for you until the finish line. And, Jesus, I pray for business owners. I pray they seek you. I pray they look to you for help – Jericho style help. Thank you, Father.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
| Steven Curtis Chapman |
| “Warrior” (feat. scenes from War Room) |
| Andrew Ripp |
| Jericho |
| Lyrics |
| Jesus! Calling on the Name of Jesus! Power in the Name of Jesus! Calling on the Name of Jesus! Power in the Name of Jesus! Calling on the Name of Jesus! Power in the Name of Jesus! Calling on the Name of Jesus! Power in the Name of Jesus! Steven Curtis Chapman Lyrics – “Warrior” |
