In March, when America started shutting everything down for the virus, I wrote a post called "Praying for Peace in our Communities." That prayer applies even more today. I had no idea how much worse things could get.
For many of us, it's hard to find stability during this time of unrest and uncertainty. When no one can agree on what the truth is, I think the best step to take is to read the Bible. There we can all find peace, hope, and justice through God.
1. Jesus fights and prays on our behalf
Psalm 34:17 (ESV) "When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
Deuteronomy 3:22 (ESV) "You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you."
Romans 8:26-27 (ESV) "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
I want to start by saying that none of this happens unless we've accepted Jesus as our Lord and savior, asked for forgiveness, and done our best to follow His will for our lives. We can't just do whatever we want and expect God to back us up.
However, if we are living for Him, we never have to face a battle alone. We don't even have to say the right words. We just have to let God fight and pray for us and believe that He will bring us righteousness and victory.
2. Jesus is our light
John 8:12 (ESV) "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
1 John 1:5 (ESV) "This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light and in him is no darkness at all."
Psalm 27:1 (ESV) "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"
When life gets violent, traumatizing, confusing, and devastating, the whole world feels dark. We may try to brighten things up with comedy, distractions, or relationships but the truth is, Jesus is the only light that can overcome any darkness. We need to let His light shine through everything we say and do.
3. He is a God of justice
Ecclesiastes 3:16-17 (ESV) "Moreover, I saw under the sun that in the place of justice, even there was wickedness, and in the place of righteousness, even there was wickedness. I said in my heart, God will judge the righteous and the wicked, for there is a time for every matter and for every work."
Hebrews 10:30 (ESV) "For we know him who said, 'Vengeance is mine; I will repay.' And again, 'The Lord will judge his people.' It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."
Hosea 12:6 (ESV) "So you, by the help of your God, return, hold fast to love and justice, and wait continually for your God."
Unfortunately, the world is evil and unjust. Even when things change for the better, there is still more to be done. Justice cannot fully be brought about except through God. Thankfully, God loves justice. Some day, every single person will stand before God and face the decisions they've made. We have to make sure we make our own wrongs right, ask for forgiveness from God and from others, and help our brothers and sisters find justice.
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