Each morning’s headlines declare new developments in the ongoing riots that have plagued America. The George Floyd family has condemned the escalating mayhem and destruction. Anger and hatred are never the right response to injustice. His death is a sad reflection of the evil that persists in the hearts of men, and peaceful protests are certainly justified to bring injustice to light. Prayerfully, peace will be restored to the cities on fire and to the many hearts that are also ablaze.
How should the people of God respond to such chaos?
Peace. Be a peacemaker. Refuse to incite anger through words or deeds. Speak softly and humbly when discussing the matter. The Bible says, “Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires” (James 1:19-20, NLT).
The wisdom of the Bible says that shouting at the darkness will not produce light. Followers of Christ must seek to be a source of healing and not division.
Prayer. Christians have the privilege to pray. We can approach God and ask for His intervention. The Bible says, “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, NKJ). We are in need. We seek the grace of God. We are desperate for His mercy. Pray. Support. Support the first re-sponders and peace officers. No, they are not perfect people. As has been evidenced in this latest episode in Minnesota, some are divisive and evil – but their numbers are few. The vast majority of the men and women who serve as officers, firefighters, and first responders are good people with good hearts and a desire to help and serve.
Billy Graham was once asked about a well-known preacher who had been caught in an immoral act. He responded by saying that thousands of planes take off and land safely every day, but if one crashes, it is all over the news. Such is the case with the millions of people who serve our country to protect and respond in crisis. God bless them! Pray for them. Pray for their families. Pray for their protection. Remember the instruction of Scripture, which says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God” (Romans 13:1, NLT).
Trust. Keep trusting the Lord. Let the chaos around you drive you nearer to the Father. Let the crisis across the nation draw you nearer to the Creator of all. Ultimately, our peace in life is not dependent on circumstances or people, but on the living God. Remember, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea…” (Psalms 46:1-2).