This Present Darkness

Today marks the anniversary of one of the darkest days in my country’s history. 

Further evidence that we as a nation have lost our way and have turned our back on God. 
Further evidence of the ills of political religion. 
Further evidence that we live in a broken and fallen world. 
Further evidence of just how far our political parties have divided and angered our nation. 
And yes parties is plural. 
The rhetoric and leadership of both sides have failed us as a nation. 
Then and now.

We know that violence never accomplishes anything of value in this world. I pray that we can somehow set aside this self inflicted polarization so that we may have some inkling of this “great” nation left to leave for our children and our grandchildren.

I know the violence was from just a few in the overall population, but anger stirs deep in the heart of many. This past presidential election season (and the one four years prior) has driven home that fact… and has driven home the meaning of this passage in 2 Chronicles like never before...

“Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” 
2 Chronicles 7:14 NLT

Where are our peacemakers? 
Where are our leaders? 
Where are the voices of the faithful? 
Where is our faith?

As Believers, we are the “my people called by my name” that God is speaking of in 2 Chronicles. 

My prayer is that that infamous day somehow serves as a wake up call for us and that we will “humble ourselves and pray and seek God’s face and turn from our wicked ways...”

That day at the Capitol was a dark moment in this present darkness. However, darkness cannot squelch out the light in the hearts of the faithful.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.” John 1:5 NLT

We cannot allow ourselves to be overwhelmed by darkness. It’s time for the faithful to step out of the darkness and shine. Shine like never before. It’s time for men and women of God to hit our knees and pray... pray for revival as we seek His face

Where are you man of God? 
Where are you peacemaker? 
Where are you church?

Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem