Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Deb Cordes.
Habakkuk 1:1-3
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not listen?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see wrongdoing
and look at trouble?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
One of the readings for this week was written more than 3,000 years ago. It seems we just can’t stop hurting each other. I don’t know about you, but I can’t seem to wrap my head around the mass shootings, the war in Ukraine and the seemingly random acts of violence from person against person. I hear stories of shootings a few short miles from my home, and I wonder if I could venture safely into those neighborhoods. I fear for my children and grandchildren’s future. I see mothers crying for their children and my heart aches. I see the war-torn videos on TV with stories of bombs dropped on innocents and my heart cries. Why dear Lord do you allow this to happen? Make it stop. Please! PLEASE!! There is no hope, Lord!
While I say this prayer over and over, I know I might be part of the answer. Perhaps the real prayer in my heart is….Lord, what can I do? How can I help make it stop? PLEASE give me a bit of hope and courage to take a step. Could I bring hope? Am I the right person? I have so little to offer.
A part of me hears….if you take the step to speak out, walk with or provide for, I AM with you. Remember I am with you always to the ends of the earth. I gave my son for you and all others. In Me, there is hope. In Me, there is life.