Hope For America
What is happening to our country? How has freedom turned into violence? Like yours, my mind races with these questions. My heart breaks for who we are becoming as a nation.
America was founded on religious freedom and equality. We are the land of opportunity, not of hate and bitterness. People used to be able to voice their differences without violence breaking out. Law and order were valued and upheld. In most neighborhoods, families could gather in parks and parents didn’t fear for their children. In our beautiful cities, there used to be an abiding sense of safety. Neighbors took care of neighbors and people respected one another’s property. Now, they are setting one another’s property on fire, breaking windows, and looting businesses. In business, a handshake used to mean a promise kept. The news used to tell uplifting stories that brought on a smile and a sense of hope. People of different political parties debated; but, in the end, they put the American people ahead of their own agendas.
Hate, anger, and self-service have become widespread. All kinds of people are demanding rights, but they are going about it in the wrong way. Love and care have been drowned out by ugly actions in which people are demanding their “rights.”
Do I have the right to hurt others to get what I want?
We have become a deeply divided nation.
How is it possible that churches cannot meet in some states, but everyone can go to the local Walmart?
The devil is crushing the heart of America and it is more evident today than ever before. People are spiritually lost and hurting inside. I have watched over the years as morality in TV shows, movies, advertisements, and magazines have disintegrated. I have witnessed how violence in games and movies has ramped up and young people are taking that violence into the streets, not realizing the consequences. Many children return to empty houses because priorities are broken.
Husbands and wives separate due to irreconcilable differences. What in the world does irreconcilable differences mean? Are they just tired of one another and don’t want to put the effort into the marriage?
Many churches have become politically correct for fear of retribution.
Babies are being murdered by the thousands daily because women want their “rights.” What about the baby’s rights?
Idols are movie stars, singers, and gang members. Most importantly, prayer has been reduced to a request instead of a desire.
What has happened to our America?
Is there hope for us? Proverbs 13:12 tells us hope deferred sickens our hearts, but Jesus fulfills our hope. God never allows things to happen without a plan to turn them for good.
Along with countless others, I have been praying for the United States to turn back from its wicked ways and repent. Second Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV) says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Can this really happen? Are we too late? Will hope take a backseat while fear drives us? Even harder, is God testing us and will we pass this test?
I’ll admit there are times of anxiety in me. In fact, recently fear grabbed my heart, so I ran to my quiet place where I spend time with Him. I sat with my Bible open to Scripture, turned on worship music, and began to allow my spirit to be ministered to. The fear and heaviness lifted, but in that time the Lord showed me how vulnerable I can be to the wiles of the enemy. I never lost hope, I did allow it to be overshadowed. Has that happened to you as well?
Hope is a short four-letter word that packs a punch. We were born with hope. Many non-believers still have hope. Yet as believers, we know the One who is our hope. Hope carries us through darkness and despair. It carries us in joyous and playful times and offers us a dimension of life that is unexplainable. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not grow faint.”
Second Chronicles 16:9 says, “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose hearts are loyal to Him.” I want my heart strong in the Lord, and hope strengthens me.
Friends, please join me and many others in strengthening our hearts through prayer, always keeping hope at the forefront. We may not be able to physically change what is happening in this country, but we can certainly pray for the hearts of those who are hurting, angry, and bitter. The Lord offers all of us restoration and peace – if only we would give our hearts to Him. Let’s pray for America to come home to God, for revival to break forth like never before, for weeping tears of repentance to flow throughout our nation.
There is absolutely nothing that is impossible with God. Be strong in Him and do not give up or lose heart. He hears us. No matter what comes, God is always the victor.
Let’s bow and pray:
Lord, I set my eyes on you even in the midst of all this country is going through. I look to You and Your promises of hope when fear tries to grab my heart. I will not allow my soul to be downcast, for I will praise You, My God and Savior.
I commit to pray for repentance and revival across this land. Give me the opportunity to share about Your hope and love to those who are hurting. “I will lift my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2 NAS). Thank You, Lord for your promises. Amen.
