Romans 8: 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Devastating natural calamities… disconcerting political unrest… increasing brazenness. There is certainly great restlessness all around the world and this restlessness is shaking us to our very core. The conclusion is crystal clear – – – we are losing control. We are coming to terms with the most frightening but perhaps, the most liberating truth of all – – – that we are truly powerless and ever in need of a kind of security that is not of this world – – – a security that only the Lord can give. Recent global events are way too powerful to ignore. When you see an entire island ravaged by a catastrophic tsunami; stately buildings crumbling down in seconds; frightened faces of evacuees from war-torn nations; and public officials who have no sense of shame for their insatiable greed, you cannot help but feel beleaguered. It is a kind of experience that leaves you feeling naked and wholly helpless.
There are no words for these kinds of moments. You can only pause in humility and deep reverence before the only One who stands strong and secure. Now, more than ever before, the Lord is inviting us to listen to his voice – – – to wake up from our slumber – – – and to make peace with him while there is time. Somehow we all want to say that things will be better, but in our heart of hearts, we know that tougher days are ahead. We cannot help but feel disheartened but we cannot also help but remain firm and steadfast in the Lord and in his word. After all, where else can we go and to whom else can we run to?
Let us pray. Let us beg God for mercy and help. Let us ask the Lord to awaken our sleepy hearts and give us the courage to embrace our utter dependence on his grace and forgiveness. By prayer, I mean the restoration of holy fear towards God and the strengthening of our commitment to walk with him. By prayer, I also mean, deeper fidelity to Godí¢â‚¬â„¢s agenda as we pursue what is just, merciful and kind – – – not when people are watching, but most importantly, when we are all by ourselves.
Let us process. Let us evaluate our priorities, our pursuits, and our passions. Let us move away from the madness of it all. Let us stop. Let us ask ourselves where our lives are truly headed and for what reasons are we living each day. By process, I mean slowing down – – – giving ourselves time to breathe – – – to feel and to remember that we are not machines but we are people created to live for Godí¢â‚¬â„¢s ultimate purpose and glory. By process I also mean taking a few steps backward in order to see things from a fresh perspective; to value family and friends whose love for us is priceless; and to overcome our obsession for moments of pleasures that only lead us to a lifetime of defeat.
Let us purse. Let us put up a good fight. Let us not hand ourselves over to the world on a silver platter. If we have to fall or fail, let it be with utmost dignity on our part. God forbid that our hearts harden or lose its fire! God forbid that we stop finding reasons to praise him, to celebrate his goodness and to be in reverent awe of Christ whose love for us is beyond words. God forbid that we fail to see his awesome and profound beauty in the simplest of things. God forbid that we become cynical, contemptuous or despicable – – – or that we lose the purity of heart that will forever convince us that nothing can ever separate us from the relentless love of God in Christ Jesus. May we all be as relentless! Amen!
