The Watchman's Diary

We give thanks to You, O God, we give thanks! For Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. (Ps 75:1, NKJV)

I read this out loud as I knelt in reverent prayer yesterday morning. Immediately after which I closed my eyes to pause and allow His Spirit to guide me in my prayer. Images of what is going on in Israel and Gaza suddenly filled my mind. I began to think of the children on the US, Mexico border, the many people who have been victims of terrorism and religious wars and my heart began to melt away.  I was so overwhelmed that I began to pray for Christ to come and put an end to the cruelty of this world.  I prayed for the children, the parents, the victims, and the perpetrators. I prayed for the leaders who so often make things worst, and for those who have the ability to make a difference.  But my prayer was still filled with anguish as the images of pain and suffering filled my mind.

Then I opened my eyes and read the next verse. “When I choose the proper time, I will judge uprightly. The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved; I will set up its pillars firmly”.

It was as if the audible voice of God said those words to me and I was floored. I melted away in prayer acknowledging his grace and love which, above all things, is the reason He allows these things to happen. Some may argue that this is not love but only because they do not see with spiritual eyes; they remain behind the veil.

I often get so entangled in the things that affect me that I do not acknowledge that in all things, good and bad, God has a greater plan. You many also be able to experience this in your life but we must endeavor to always remember that God is in control. Even when this world seems so chaotic, He has already determined the end of all things and he still directs our paths.  Our broken prayers are made straight when we give in to the Holy Spirit and allow Him to guide our thoughts. Our narrow view can be made broader and made clearer when we allow Him to take away the blinders and the veil that covers our spiritual eyes. Yes, the world is in an uproar as violence seems to prevail in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza, Africa, Ukraine, South America, and even here in the U.S.  Violent protests seem to be the norm; so much so that we shrug at news of them.  I ask you to keep watch and pray with me but let us not allow what is happening to break our spirits, for the Lord has said:

“I said to the boastful, do not deal boastfully, and to the wicked, do not lift up the horn. Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck. For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is judge: He puts down one and exalts another. For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup and the wine is red; It is fully mixed, and He pours it out; Surely its dregs shall all the wicked of the earth Drain and drink down”. (Ps 75:4-8, NKJV)