God Is Still Here

In less than two months from the writing of this essay, the United States will once again observe National Prayer Day. This year that observance will be held on Thursday, May 2, 2024. This year’s theme will be “Faithfulness--He is steadfast. He is trustworthy. He never fails ... God is faithful.” According to a Google search, “this day of observance, designated by the United States Congress, asks people to turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

When I look at our country today and see its condition politically, socially, morally, and environmentally, I am reminded of the many times during the past year, I have heard the questions, “Where is God?” and “How can He allow these things to happen?” I even asked these questions myself. And now I look at the above theme for National Prayer Day and I realize God is right where He always was. He didn’t move away from us; many of our citizens moved away from Him. There is so much turmoil in our country right now that sometimes that truth is clouded.

From Genesis to Revelation the message is clear: disobedience will not be rewarded. Hatred, discontent, sexual immorality, greed, and murder (there have been 49 mass shootings so far in the US in 2024) will not be tolerated by a loving God.

In a sense, we seem to be victims of the freedoms we have in our country. We have an “anything goes” mentality with two sides of our government sparring with each other “just because they can”, just because they are free to do so. I was shocked when I read that National Prayer Day was designated by the United States Congress! The very branch of our government that is asking us to pray for peace and unity and to be aware of God's faithfulness is the very same branch where both sides are at war with each other.

What will you pray for on May 2, 2024? I will pray for the leadership of our country especially in Congress. I believe in a God who answers prayers because He is faithful, steadfast, and trustworthy. I will pray for each member of Congress to be the example God had intended when He chose them to legislate our country. And I will pray for each of us to follow the example of a loving and forgiving God.

“Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.”

Psalm 119:133 (NIV)