Encouragement in Uneasy Times

The apostle Paul wrote some words in Philippians chapter 4 that are highly relevant for us today, especially on this day, when we reflect on one of the darkest days in American history.  He begins the chapter with this verse:
1Therefore, my beloved and longed-for brethren, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, beloved.
He then shares these words of encouragement:4Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!5Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.6Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God;7and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

So, as we stand fast - in the Lord - I believe that Paul describes what that looks like.  We are called to rejoice - even in the most horrific of circumstances, the Lord can strengthen us from within and give us unspeakable joy in Him.  We acknowledge that He is at hand, and therefore we can reject worry and anxiety.   As we present our requests, we can know His peace.   It's straightforward and simple, but it is by no means easy to appropriate that attitude in these days of uneasiness.  But, with reliance on the Lord, faith-filled people in a world of fear, we can know His presence and experience His hope.

Isaiah 41:10 offers us some encouragement in a season in which, I believe, there is a high degree of uneasiness:
10Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

It's September 11th - 13 years following that dark day in New York City, Washington, DC, and Pennsylvania.  I think that most of us can remember where we were when we received the news.  I was on the air at Faith Radio and got word that the first plane had flown into one of the twin towers of the World Trade Center.  Within minutes, a truly unfathomable series of events was unfolding.

I remember that morning, we received word that a prayer meeting was being organized at a local church.  The emphasis on prayer was truly amazing in that season.  And, as the days marched on and the nation tried to recover, perhaps many felt we were on the cusp of revival in America, as we maybe recognized that the problems that we were encountering could only be addressed by a reliance on Almighty God.

Gallup just released a survey about the most important problems that America faces.  The polling organization pointed out that only 4% of respondents in this most recent survey said that terrorism was our most important problem - but that's a jump from only 1% back in early July.   The biggest issue: dissatisfaction with government, deemed to be the biggest problem by 18% of respondents. The economy in general followed closely behind at 17%, with another economic component, unemployment and jobs, at 12%, tied with illegal immigration.

But, that does not minimize the importance of the terrorist threat.   The Gallup summary says:

While terrorism may be less top-of-mind to Americans -- and less likely to register as the most important problem facing the nation -- many still see it as important when asked about it specifically. In January polling, 72% of Americans said they felt terrorism was an important issue for Congress and the president to deal with this year. In February, 77% said international terrorism was a critical threat to the U.S. The economy or dissatisfaction with government may trump terrorism as the most important problem at the moment, but many Americans still see terrorism as a threat that must be dealt with, even 13 years after 9/11.

Then there's the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll I referred to on the air yesterday. That exclusive poll reveals that 47% of Americans believe the country is less safe now than before the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.  That’s up significantly from September 2002, a year after the twin towers fell, when just 20% of the country said the nation was less safe. The level of fear across America also is up substantially from last year when 28% felt the same way.

Oh, and in this poll, taken before last night's Presidential address, 61 percent of American voters believe that the United States taking military action against ISIS is in United States’ interest, versus 13 percent who don’t. (Another 24 percent said they don’t know enough to have an opinion.)

I used the word, "uneasiness," on the air yesterday.  I believe that is a word that, to a certain extent, describes Americans' attitudes today.  We're not comfortable with the government and we're certainly concerned about our economic well-being and stability.  There is an unsettledness about the immigration issue, and there is concern over foreign policy.  Interestingly enough, only 5% said that the area of moral concern, including religious decline, was our most important problem.

I think it should be at the top.  Because all of these issues have a spiritual component, so they can be dealt with using spiritual resources.  And, that is where you and I come in.  Are you dissatisfied with government?   The Bible prescribes that we pray for our leaders.  And, as Christians, we have a chance to be involved in the democratic process, prayerfully considering the way we vote.  

Afraid of economic matters?  The Bible prescribes the antidote to fear, which comes through hope in the Lord.  It also teaches how to build a sound economy, and that is through eradicating debt.   Concerned about eroding morality?  A return to the Scriptures, rather than a retreat from Biblical principles, can restore our moral foundation.  

What can you and I do?  We can pray, we can participate, and we can proclaim truth.  On 9/11, we can recapture our resolve to speak and live God's principles; we can be the church; we can demonstrate that His way is best.