We are a nation divided right now and the only way to be unified once more is to pray for God’s intercession.

Our governing leaders have been faced with threats of assassination.  Bombs in the mail are the new message of the day from a disgruntled group or individual with a disturbed mind.  Our news media spins the news and speculates before receiving all the facts.  The speed of the internet sends information too fast – often before everything is made known.  There is sex trafficking, drug abuse, homelessness, refugees fleeing oppression with those who would harm us, piggy backing on the caravan.  The news is enough to make us sick both physically and mentally.

Friends are separating because of differences of opinions.  People don’t talk face to face anymore.  Texting and emails have become our means of communication, while we lack the skill to talk to each other.  Problems used to be solved through meetings of the minds.  Solutions came because ideas were brainstormed together.  People coming together – joined through one goal – one dream – one future.

In our schools, children are learning to protect themselves from bullies, finding safe places to study, feeling that at any moment some nut will enter their building and open fire.  The workplace is no different. A disgruntled employee is fired and the office is locked down for fear of retribution.

I could go on and on about the state of our country and bring up every negative you can imagine, but doing that doesn’t solve a problem, nor doesn’t stop the insanity.  When I wrote my first sentence this morning, I was directed to God’s Word and His lesson on how we should deal with the troubles of our nation.  We’re told to first humble ourselves.  In other words, get over ourselves.  This isn’t about us.  It’s about God and His plan for this world.  Once we realize that, it is so much easier to turn the trials of daily life over to Him.

Only God can change things.  Only the One true God will hear our prayers, but first we must get down on our knees, faces down, hearts contrite and repentant.  God loves us unconditionally, yet  He can wipe the United States off the face of the map in an instant if He chooses to do so.  Still, He hears the prayers of those who call on His name.

He also tells us to pray for our leaders.  In a time where no one seems to be trusted in government, that’s a tough assignment, but a necessary one.  Not everyone in this country is corrupt.  There are still those who believe that we are a great nation, under God.  There still remains a remnant of those who know that God is merciful to those who come to Him and trust in His promises.

As we pray today, let’s remember those who govern us.  They have been placed in their offices for a reason.  They, like us, are part of God’s greater purpose.  We must unite again as a nation and we can do so with our prayers.

“Sir, my concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God’s side, for God is always right.”   Abraham Lincoln