A Divisive Election and Riots
During this COVID-19
Season of Anxiety
The other day Archbishop Foley Beach called to ask me, "How is Cascadia and how can I pray for you all since Seattle and Portland seem to be on fire?"
Yes, these are troubling times. Protests for justice are being disrupted by anarchists using violence for their agendas, bitter divisions mar a national election which should give us hope to look to the future, and that COVID-19 vaccine-in-progress can't get here soon enough!
I have prayed with people who are politically angry, fearing for safety, isolated, and feeling very alone at home, and many are very anxious about the future. What do we do and how shall we respond? I invite you to join with me in praying that God's healing, justice, and peace will come to Portland, Seattle, and our nation.
Please pray for the Lord to be our strength and shield and guide us to make a positive impact on our communities that feel awash in a sea of negativity. (On social media, as my grandmother would counsel, "if you can't say something nice… don't anything say it at all! Some of what I read on a few Anglican blogs, for example, is a horrible witness to the Lord.) And I encourage you to seek out your family, friends, and neighbors to help and encourage them in these difficult times and not to wait but call on others when you need help, too.
I commend these Scriptures to you for guidance, encouragement, and hope:
Psalm 62:8
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.
1 Peter 5:7
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
John 16:33
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
John 14:27
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.
Jeremiah 17:7-8
7 "Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose trust is the LORD.
8 He is like a tree planted by water,
that sends out its roots by the stream,
and does not fear when heat comes,
for its leaves remain green,
and is not anxious in the year of drought,
for it does not cease to bear fruit."
Hebrews 10:23-24
23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,
Joshua 1:9
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go."
1 Corinthians 16:3-15 (from the Message)
Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you've got, be resolute, and love without stopping.
My friends, in these troubling times… 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
+Kevin