Thots on Trust

It’s been a tough week, to say the least. And I mean for those of us not directly in Hurricane Katrina’s path. But the whole country is in her wake. The ripples affect us financially whether at the gas pumps or elsewhere. But the spiritual condition of our nation is affecting us all, too. I won’t try to give examples of the division in our nation over spiritual matters. You can read my previous posts for that. But I will say that the direction our government and state governments are taking continues to spiral downward, contrary to the urging of the people, over-riding the will of the people, and definitely not in support of the people. But the tough week continues with reports of seismic rumblings in California, chaos and anarchy in New Orleans, and the like.

It seems eerie to me to watch our local news carry special reports on a major golf tournament in Hilton Head (which is a charity tournament, and for that I applaud) in the wake of our national tragedy. This “life-goes on” mentality seems to be very hard for me to swallow. Even the liberal Democrats, in the wake of such a disaster, have cancelled their political rallies this weekend. I understand that there are many charities, many difficult things people in America face. But there truly is an emergency of huge proportions going on in our country. Can’t some of these charity events be re-scheduled? They can still go on, but right now? Seems almost unpatriotic, inhuman, callous, and uncompassionate.

Another tough thing to consider, especially me – a pastor. Our church suffered in the wake of 9/11, and this particular tragedy comes within a 2-week time span of the anniversary of that tragedy. I would call our church members to pray for one another, to love one another, to help one another, lest the challenges facing our church this time become the source of our suffering.

I believe the Lord is calling to us, asking our nation to awaken to faith in Him, to look to Him for mercy – and that begins with me. I don’t need to fear, as a born-again believer, His judgment. But I do need to seek Him for wisdom, strength, power, and spiritual protection in this fallen world. I need to seek Him for mercy in His discipline, to learn the lessons He has for me, and to trust Him in all things. He is Sovereign, and He is Good, above all else. His deeds are Mighty, and His deeds are righteous – even when I don’t understand. That’s where trust comes in.

Will you trust Him, too, during these times?