THERE IS A WAY. . ..

THERE IS A WAY. . . .

Another anniversary.

Another tragedy.

Another reminder of the evil that is rampant in our world.

The evil has always been present – since creation.

We’ve simply allowed evil to feel more at home among us. Our senses have been numbed, our preferences have made us more tolerant of it.

The world feels heavy today, just like yesterday, and the day before and the day before that.

We talk about our feelings. We pay therapists. We take meds. We share prayer requests. We process on social media platforms.

Each of these coping mechanisms have their value, and their benefits. They help. But only partially.

Still, we are left with so many questions:

“Why?”

“How long oh Lord?”

“Isn’t there a way for good to win and evil to lose?”

THERE IS A WAY!

We pray.

WAIT!!!!! STOP!!!!!! BEFORE YOU check out, move on, nod your head with a halfway agreement, and silently think “Yeah I know that . . . but. . . .”

Hear me out.

Today I’ve asked “what do I pray for?”

Here’s the answer I’ve received- Start with a lament. Tell God what our hearts feel. Tell Him our sorrows, our grief, and even weep. Sit in it even for just a few minutes. You can say “God I’m sad” and He won’t jump down your throat with Bible verses telling you why you’re wrong for feeling that way and condemn your lack of faith, hope and love. Lament.

Then . . . we do exactly was God tells us to do in prayer.

“If my people who are called by my name” That’s the Church. The Christ Follower. Us.

“Will humble themselves and pray.” There it is. PRAY

“Seek my face.” Put down the device, turn off the TV, go outside and look up in the sky, or go to your closet and simply imagine you’re going into private conference with the only One who can do anything about any of this, and seek His face.

“Turn from their wicked ways.” Stop it. Stop doing the things you know you don’t need to do. Renounce the wickedness in your heart, and in our world.

“THEN. . . . “ Here comes our solution . . . .

“I will hear from heaven and forgive their sins and heal their land.” That’s HIS promise, not one we’ve made up. HIS WORDS. “He WILL. . . “

There Is a way! It’s so simple.

Instead of staring at the wall and talking about how big and impossible and horrible it is, notice the way that He’s made through the wall.

I don’t do this enough. I minimize the most powerful tool I’ve been given – seeing it as a last resort – “well at least I can pray.”

We can see things change. I know it seems hard to believe. I know some who read this still won’t do the simple thing and pray.

But I will remain right here and say it today, tomorrow, Sunday at church, and every day that follows . . .

THERE IS A WAY . . . PRAY!