November is finally here and that means an end to the flood of text messages and campaign ads that have inundated us for the past six months. Why is it that time flies by so quickly until an election is taking place, and then it seems to hit a snail’s pace.
Regardless of the outcome, it is my prayer that our country could refrain from the divisive rhetoric and we could find common ground and work toward the restoration of the republic.
Many people are perplexed over the fractured state of our government and the constant vitriol that permeates the dialogue of our leaders instead of coming together to find answers. I have fallen into the camp of bewilderment myself. I want so desperately to see our nation unified and striving for the excellence that has always our benchmark.
This past week I listened to a conversation between Eric Metaxas and John Bevere. Upon hearing this exchange it became clear to me that the difficulty we are experiencing as a nation is due to the fact that we have lost the ‘fear of God’. Isaiah 33:6 says,“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
The fear that is referenced here is not terror or trepidation. It is a holy reverence and awe that we should have. The fear of God will keep us from wrongdoing and a desire to strive for holiness.
Paul exhorts the believers in Philippi as he writes in Philippians 2 verse 12, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,”
Intimacy with God requires work on our part. Hebrews 12 verses 1 and 2 tell us that the world entangles us with sin and hinders us from having intimacy with God. We are told to throw off that sin and run the race set before us fixing our eyes on Jesus. It is not a sprint. It is a marathon and we must run with perseverance. The fear of God (awe and reverence) can secure that intimacy.
Psalm 25:14 speaks about the rewards for those that fear the Lord.
“The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”
Paul penned these words in 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1. “What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” Therefore, “Come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” And, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”” “Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.”
God had His hand in the foundation of this country and it has stood on Godly principles for centuries. May we, as a nation, repent of our pride and arrogance and, once again, fear God with a holy reverence and awe.
Finally, I ask you all to pray for our new leaders. Pray that unity and cooperation could once again be the desire of the people as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
May God richly bless the United States of America!
