Finding God 

“A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the lord – but the Lord was not in the wind.  After the wind there was an earthquake – but the Lord was not in the earthquake.  After the earthquake there was fire – but the Lord was not in the fire.  After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.”  (1 Kings 19: 11 – 13) 

   When I read scripture I try to  consider its' meaning in today’s world.  Today’s world is vastly different than in the days of the Prophet Elijah, but God still speaks to us in His word.

   There are riots, looting and destruction in many cities in our nation.  People who appear to be looking for a reason to destroy and steal rather than work together to resolve our problems.  But the Lord is not in the riots, looting or destruction.

   There is hatred and violence throughout our nation.  People turning against people because they are different; they look different, they talk differently, perhaps they worship differently.  But the Lord is not in the hatred and violence.

   There are bombings of cities, attacks by one people against another all over the world.  Missiles fired, terrorist acts committed because one cannot talk to another in love and understanding.  But the Lord is not in the bombings, missiles, or terrorist acts.

   God is in the quiet of a faithful people striving to serve Him.  He is there with those who seek real peace, not just an absence of war.  The Lord walks with those who want to resolve differences, not attack, destroy, and hate because of those differences.

   There is evil in the world, but God is not in the evil.  God is in those who choose good, those who strive to overcome the evil.  He grants peace to the peacemakers, He loves those who love, and forgives those who seek it.

 

In a world stained by evil

Give us the strength to seek the good.

In a world marred by sin

Give us the courage to reject evil.

 

Amen