Kristen Henderlong

The upheaval of the world in our face right now is disturbing.  What’s in the news— I don’t even have to say it—you know what I’m talking about.  It’s certainly been a wake up call for many.

But can I just say— the grave injustices in our world have been happening consistently for a very long time now.  Persecution to the point of murder is not a new phenomenon.  It’s not unusual. The corruption is fierce.  

We live in an alternate reality sometimes; a bubble, if you will.  Or maybe I should call it a daze.  We are all in a trance most of the time.  Distracted.  Consumed.  Absent minded.  Myself included.

Why does it take such tragic events to appear in the news headlines to wake us up?

God help us.  All I know to do is pray.  Will you join me?

Jesus,

The beautiful, all-powerful and FIERCE name of Jesus— I come to You in faith with all the hope that You give me— knowing that You have the last word.  At the end of the day You are victorious.  You have overcome the darkness.  “Even though I [we] walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I [we] will fear no evil for You are with me [us]; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me [us]” (Psalm 23:4).  I proclaim these words over myself and anyone reading this.  We lean on You.

I ask for Your comfort and peace to overwhelm the families and people directly affected by the tragedies we are currently witnessing in our country.  But also for all of us.  We need You.  All of this seems so surreal and makes us so angry.  You see our hearts; You know them well.  Don’t let us turn from You in our anger.  Help us to devote the strong emotions to You and let the angry fire burn for You and Your Kingdom.. not the kingdom of hate.  Let the anger usher us into Your presence in desperation.  You promised we would experience trouble and trials in this life.  But You overcame it all (John 16:33).  You made a way for us.  Help us to cling to this, shining Your light in the darkness together, carrying kindness and love in our hearts every step of the way… Like a mighty force.

I know that coming to You does not equal an easy life.  I know asking for Your comfort will not undo what has happened.  But I also know Your heart is more broken than any of ours.  The prophet Isaiah wrote that you are, “…a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3).  You know the depths of pain.  You carry the weight of our hurt.  You said, “Come to me all who are weary and heavy burdened and I will give you rest” (Matt. 11:28). So here we are, coming to You.

But also—the Psalmist wrote, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne” (Psalm 89:14 italics added). 

So, Man of Sorrows, we plead You for justice.  Holy and pure justice.  Not vengeance that comes from the hands of an angry man.  But true justice that comes from our Holy God.  Paul said, “Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, ‘I will take revenge; I will pay them back’” (Rom. 12:19).  Help us to trust in Your justice.

In the meantime, awaken our hearts to the community of Your people.  Let all of this bring us together as a strong force to be reckoned with.  Let the world know we are Yours by our love for one another (John 13:35).  Help us to share it with the world, bringing others to You where true freedom is found. “Where the spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17).

In Your name, Jesus, 

Amen.

Remember: You are Loved.