My heart is broken for our nation. Having refused to love the Lord, we now find the ability to love one another slipping through our fingers. Why are we surprised that we cannot obey the second greatest commandment when we have failed to heed the first? If what is divided is to be brought together and made new, we must be dependent upon the Great Physician who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

I don’t have simple solutions, profound answers, or innovative plans that would make everything right. Even if I did, they would be a brittle, fading, and insufficient response to the present need. To trust in any person – a friend, a teacher, a leader, or myself – is both dangerous and disappointing. It is better to fall helpless and broken, in need of wisdom and grace, at the feet of an all-sufficient, ever-present, and enduringly trustworthy God.

Understanding cannot come through tireless thinking, or agreement through ceaseless arguing, or rest through endless effort. No human endeavor can suffice when a God-sized solution is required. Only Jesus can change hearts of stone to flesh, only He can break down dividing walls of hostility, and only in His love can we learn what love truly is – not a warm and fuzzy feeling, but a perfectly complete, wholly undeserved, and entirely selfless sacrifice.

In the spiritual battle we face today in our country, I refuse to surrender to human vision, or capability, or reasoning, or reassurance, or willpower. I look to the Captain of my salvation, whose weakness is stronger than the greatest human might, whose foolishness is wiser than the accumulation of all knowledge, and whose love is more powerful than any earthly attempt to find reconciliation and peace. Nothing and no one else will do.

I think it is best to follow in the footsteps of those counted faithful before us – Abraham, Moses, David, Esther, Daniel – and pray with humility, intercede with expectancy, and find strength in our God. Perhaps you would like to join me in praying

For a mind to understand the times, how God is working, and what we ought to do

For the discernment to recognize the Spirit in a world of many spirits that are deceitful and false

For the strength to hold fast to truth in the midst of lies

For feet that walk in justice, mercy, and humility before our God

For the decrease of our own kingdoms, and the glory of His

For the composure to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves

For the ability to forgive when we are wronged and seek forgiveness when we wrong others

For an ear that listens, not prepared to win an argument, but ready to minister with compassion, truth, and gentleness

For the wisdom to recognize needs and the grace to satisfy them

For an open heart that shares generously

For a hunger to hear from God daily in His Word, and for a thirst for righteousness

For the boldness to share the gospel in season and out of season

For the dignity to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry

For the meekness to possess a righteous anger that does not sin

For hands that are willing to wash the feet not only of friends, but of those who will betray us

For eyes always fixed on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

I don’t know if God will reach down in mercy to heal a land that has turned its back on Him, but I know that He can heal you, I know that He can heal me, and perhaps through us He might begin to bring healing to those around us. In the midst of the mighty winds, raging fires, and terrifying earthquakes, may we perceive the quiet whisper of that still, small voice and follow the One who speaks.