God Hears Our Cries in Confusion
I’m confident that Almighty God is not pacing the throne room of heaven wringing His hands in confusion and fear.
But today I want to remind us all that our cries are heard by God. 2020 is certainly not the first time a culture has battled conflict, confusion, and crisis — reaping what we have sown…
“This is what the Lord says: What wrong did your ancestors find in me that made them wander so far?
They pursued what was worthless and became worthless.
I brought you into a land of plenty, to enjoy its gifts and goodness, but you ruined my land; you disgraced my heritage.
The priests didn’t ask, “Where’s the Lord?”
Those responsible for the Instruction didn’t know me…
Yet my people have exchanged their glory for what has no value.
Be stunned at such a thing, you heavens; shudder and quake, declares the Lord.
My people have committed two crimes:
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water. And they have dug wells, broken wells that can’t hold water.” (from Jeremiah 2)
And yet, here we are thousands of years later, still digging wells that can hold no water. Cries of confusion abound!
The question for each of us becomes “Will I trust God and build my life around His will and His way, regardless of which way the rest of the world goes?”
Today. This day, I choose to praise the “Most High who rules over the kingdoms of the world.” (Daniel 4.17)
Soaking in Scripture helps me focus– will you join me?
The Lord reigns forever… He rules the world with righteousness and judges the peoples with equity. The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. Those who know Your Name will trust in You, for You, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek You. Psalm 9
Shall we continue to pray?
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Savior. 1 Timothy 2
My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62
I will pray for and support whoever ends up being our elected government and new president, with a heart that hopes those leaders turn to the ultimate Source of truth and wisdom.
Will you remember that God’s presence is our only true safe place – refuge?
It’s far better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust any human leader. Psalm 11.9
Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in Your hand, and no one can withstand You. 2 Chronicles 20.6
Several decades ago, my friend Connecticut musician Michael Kelly Blanchard sang this song in our ancient Meetinghouse (my church was gathered in 1635 so people have experienced confused situations there before, including the American Revolution) I would like to close with Michael’s reminding us that no situation can separate us from God; calling us to be light — calling us to be a refuge to others :
In these days of confused situations.
In these nights of a restless remorse,
When the heart and the soul of the nation,
lay wounded and cold as a corpse.
From the grave of the innocent Adam,
comes a song bringing joy to the sad.
Oh your cry has been heard and the ransom,
has been paid up in full, Be Ye Glad.
So be like lights on the rim of the water,
giving hope in a storm sea of night.
Be a refuge amidst the slaughter,
for these fugitives in their flight.
For you are timeless and part of a puzzle.
You are winsome and young as a lad.
And there is no disease or no struggle,
that can pull you from God, Be Ye Glad.
(Chorus) Oh, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Every debt that you ever had
Has been paid up in full by the grace of the Lord, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad, Be Ye Glad.– Michael Kelly Blanchard
No matter who ends up being President of the United States, God is still the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
If you are one who feels the “heart and the soul of the nation lay wounded and cold as a corpse,” friend, your cry has been heard. And the ransom has been paid up in full. By the grace of the Lord.
under the mercy, Lucinda
CLICK HERE to listen to “Be Ye Glad” by Michael Kelly Blanchard
“Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength”
©2020 Lucinda Secrest McDowell
Lucinda Secrest McDowell is a storyteller and seasoned mentor who engages both heart and mind while “Helping You Choose a Life of Serenity & Strength.” She has authored 15 books including “Soul Strong – 7 Keys to a Vibrant Life” and “Life-Giving Choices – 60 Days to What Matters Most.” She writes from “Sunnyside” cottage in New England and shares encouragement at LucindaSecrestMcDowell.com
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Lucinda, thank you for always bringing encouraging words from Scripture. I appreciate your determination, and I hope we all focus like this: “ I will pray for and support whoever ends up being our elected government and new president, with a heart that hopes those leaders turn to the ultimate Source of truth and wisdom.”
yes, friend, this is what we must do. God knows. he is still in control.
A much needed post, Cindy. And the words of MKB truly speak into our situation currently. Scripture doesn’t ask us whether we like our leaders, but commands us instead to pray for them.
you are so wise and so right dearest bff. and i love mkb’s songs too.
Beautiful and fitting song for these times. Thank you for sharing.
and thank you so much for reading, lucy. i love your name… lucinda
For some reason, I received this on the 4th instead of the 3rd. And yet, its timing is perfect. My soul needed to be grounded in these specific verses and truths this morning. Thank you, Lucinda.
I post on the Tuesday night, but the blog subscribers receive first thing on wednesday mornings. thank you for reading. blessings.
Hi Lucinda,
I have been telling my clients throughout this whole election process that people continue to believe in the false expectation that if we elect the “right” person with the “right” policies, everything will be O.K. The reality is any president is just as fallen and sinful as any of us. This is a spiritual issue which can only be dealt with by the only true Healer, Jesus Christ. When hearts are willing to repent and seek Him, then we can experience true change. We as believers need to stop choosing political sides and unite as a body under the One Head, Jesus.
Sheree, you are SO RIGHT. praying and grateful.
Thank you for this encouragement, dear friend. Much needed during this tumultuous time. ❤️
absolutely! hugs!
Very timely truth, thank you Lucinda.
thank you for reading. blessings.
Thank you. Words I needed to hear and grace to my soul.
I feel refreshed by your response to our season and the election Lucinda. Such comfort through wisdom and the word. Thank you!
Hi Lucinda, Thank you for this message! I don’t always get to read an email on the day it was sent….and today, Veterans day, I opened this one. Your words are so important for us to remember. A verse I have been saying for some time is Psalm 31: 14- 15″But I trust in you, O Lord, I say you are my God. My times are in your hands.” Thank you for this reminder. Continued prayers for our country and our world.