Why is our population so angry and ready to war?

Why do we struggle for power and resist God’s sovereign authority?

“We refuse to be slaves,” each faction declares.

“We will have no God ruling over us

but will answer only to ourselves.”

How foolish we must seem to our heavenly Father,

whose mighty hand holds our fragile universe together

and whose tender heart knows when a sparrow falls.

How foolish we are to believe

that a ruler comes to power without God’s permission,

that society achieves justice without God’s help,

or that evil is defeated by anything but God’s goodness.

Be wise, my people, and seek God.

Acknowledge the King whom God has anointed,

the Son sent to break the chains of sin and death over us.

Look no more on your brother or sister as your enemy

but see evil in the anger and greed that drive you to harsh words and violence.

Be wise, my soul, and seek God.

Accept the freedom that Jesus offers

to fear God instead of your neighbor,

to serve God instead of your lust for power and importance.

Seek refuge in the obedience that brings joy and peace

and the favor of your Creator.