By Melody Vanosdol
You were not created to worry about the world.
Doesn’t it seem like every year or even every month the world gets more negative, more horrible, and just plain scarier? That’s by design. Satan is having a field day. He’s using the news media and social media to bring us every piece of news possible from every corner of the country and the globe—the juicier and more shocking, the better.
Sometimes it’s enough to make you want to argue with family, friends, or perfect strangers, face to face or on-line. It is very difficult to be the peacemakers that God called us to be (Romans 12:18 and Matthew 5:9). How often do we see peace sacrificed on the altar of being right? How often have we been guilty of this very thing?
But what is it that God has called you to in this life? A couple years ago God very clearly communicated with me on this matter.
“Have I not given you enough to tend to?”
Those moments can be very jolting. I have an elderly, widowed mother. At that time, my son-in-law had just walked out on my daughter and four grandchildren. I teach juvenile detention and alternative education. And those are just the big things. “Yes, Lord. I am full.” I very clearly understood that I was to take care of what he had given me to take care of. I hold no influence over the world beyond the people he gave me to care for. The world is His. His arm is still not too short (Numbers 11:23 and Isaiah 59:1).
I cannot say that the world and all the evil and turmoil in it never gets to me. But it does not pull me in or pull me down. It certainly gives me plenty to pray about.
As women, we are particularly prone to wanting to take care of the world. Our mothering instinct often goes beyond our own children. I’m no different. My students tend to stay in my life for years, sometimes forever.
We are called to pray for our leaders, whether we like them or not. We are called to pray for justice, even if it’s going to hurt. Then we each have our calling that God has given us. We must never neglect that because something has riled us. We must remain steady.
You were not created to worry about the world. He has given you enough to tend to.
Prayer:
Lord, let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a never-failing stream in our courts, schools, and communities. Help us to love mercy and walk humbly with You, to act justly, and to care for the vulnerable. Open our eyes to the needs of others and inspire us to break down all tyranny and oppression. Grant wisdom and courage to those in power to make decisions that uphold human dignity and flourishing. Comfort the brokenhearted and bring peace to those suffering injustice. Please keep us on the path you have called us to. Please let us know when you want us to alter that path. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:1–4).
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24).
“O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
“The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? Now you will see whether or not what I say will come true for you” (Numbers 11:23). “Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1).
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