By R.E. Olsen
As a Christian, I wonder what is God’s perspective on the state of the nation?
The world is chaotic, and domestic affairs are a volatile subject. Tensions are high, battle lines are drawn, people are blatantly outspoken and confrontational. Meanwhile… the pace of life, the demands on our time and energy, the tragedy and trauma of a 24/7 news cycle, and social media in our face constantly – all of this leaves many of us feeling ragged and worn out.
God wants everything to be done peacefully and in order. “For God is not the author of confusion but of peace” (1 Corinthians 14:33). Yet friends, neighbors, and even families are fiercely divided over religious and political beliefs, climate change, who really won the election, and whether or not to wear masks or get vaccinated.
God loves unity. Satan sows division.
The Bible mentions this problem quite a few times, so it must be important!
- “There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.” –Proverbs 6:16-19
- “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.” –Matthew 12:25
- “If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. And if a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.” –Mark 3:24-25
- “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.” –Luke 11:17
- “I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve.” –Romans 16:17-18
What great pleasure Satan must have in seeing all the anger, strife, violence, division, disinformation and dishonesty in the world today! The enemy loves to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10, 1 Peter 5:8). “He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies” (John 8:44).
If you are feeling on edge, worried, or anxious… you are not alone! But beware – “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe” (Proverbs 29:25). In fact, fear is one of Satan’s most-used tactics to get us to doubt God.
We may not always understand what is going on – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8-9). God is also much more patient than we are – what seems like an eternity to us is just a blink of an eye to God! So, despite what we feel, we need to remember God’s promises for such a time as this.
God is ultimately in control, and He is never surprised by the events of our world. God establishes kings and kingdoms as they suit His plans and purposes – and He can also destroy them. “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1).
What does the Bible say about current events?
- “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” –Proverbs 14:34
- “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and Mammon.” –Matthew 6:24 [Mammon = material wealth or worldly possessions, personified as a false object of worship and devotion.]
- “And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper, being filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, greed, evil; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malice; they are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, arrogant, boastful, inventors of evil, without understanding, untrustworthy, unloving, unmerciful; and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.” –Romans Chapter One
- “The wicked strut about on every side when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.” –Psalm 12:8
- “For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” –2 Timothy 3:1-5
- “When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people groan.” –Proverbs 29:2
- “If a ruler listens to falsehood, all his officials will be wicked.” –Proverbs 29:12
- “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.” –1 Timothy 2:1-2
- “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.” –Ephesians 5:11
Isn’t it amazing how these verses written over 2,000 years ago perfectly describe the world today? It goes to show, people have been making the same mistakes for centuries. Not to mention, Satan has a limited number of tools at his disposal so he uses the same bag of tricks over and over again.
“What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.” –Ecclesiastes 1:9
For Such a Time as This
“For such a time as this” is a phrase that invokes courage and hope among believers. These six simple words from the book of Esther inspire us toward that one defining moment we all long for—our chance to make a difference.
“For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” –Esther 4:14
Through those telling words, Mordecai was reminding Queen Esther that she had been chosen to put aside her own interests and ambitions to stand up for her people. An entire nation was grateful for how Esther responded to Mordecai’s rebuke. Their lives were spared. God also sets “for such a time as this” before you.
God has put you in the world at this time and place for a reason. He has provided resources, education, and opportunities for you to optimize the culture you’re in for His kingdom purposes. God didn’t place you where you are just so you could play games all day long or post pictures of yourself on social media. He’s placed you where you are because we’re all in the midst of a battle; an eternal conflict involving Good versus Evil.
Don’t miss your kingdom assignment because you’ve become too caught up in your own personal kingdom. Do what you can, with what you have, where you’re at…
Lord, I pray for our nation and ask that You would look down on us in pity and mercy. As a nation we seem to have moved so far from the true gospel and our churches seem to be embracing many alternative and compromised teachings that are not true to Your Word. Forgive me, Lord, for I too have fallen short, and have not always lived a life that is pleasing to You. Bring us back as a people who seek to bring honor to Your Name, following the ways of justice and peace, with a desire to see Your will carried out on Earth as it is in Heaven. I pray that we as a people and a nation will do that for such a time as this, all for Your glory.
What is your favorite Bible verse for such a time as this? Leave a comment!