Many people are concerned about the changes happening right now in our country.  Many of the believers who gather at Canyon are very patriotic and care deeply for this great country of ours.

As Christian Americans, we have a special interest in seeing our country make decisions that invite God’s blessing and protection.  At the same time, we grieve when we see our leaders make decisions that propel us toward unrighteousness.  Some decisions being made right now may have a huge, negative impact on our country.  Patriots have a great model to follow in Psalms.  Specifically Psalm 102, which voices a patriot’s distress over the state of his country.

It is unclear exactly when Psalm 102 was written, but we know it was during a downturn in Israel’s righteousness.  The Hebrew author was an afflicted patriot, he was rightly concerned that the decisions of the people and leadership propelled Israel toward unrighteousness, and they would lose God’s blessing and protection as a result.  He was greatly distressed about this.  In verse 4, he speaks of being so distressed that his heart had withered and he forgot to eat.  This patriot takes upon himself a whole list of national griefs.  It causes physical affliction in his body, but the miseries of his people cause him even more anguish than his physical pains.  He tells the Lord that His worshipers need to be preserved.

Verse 18 says, “Let this be recorded for a generation to come, so that a people yet to be created may praise the Lord…”

He’s pouring out his heart to God and asks God to do a work in Israel that only God can do.  We know that only God can change the hearts of the people.  This psalm is a great model for us to follow when we pray for our own country. I have often encouraged you to be informed about what is happening in our country and then to torn off the TV or radio and go to the Lord in prayer.

What would happen if every Christian in Cottonwood prayer a minute for every minute they watched the news?  It seems foolish to miss out on the opportunity!  We have access to the most powerful power in the universe.  (Our God is way more powerful than Obama, Trump, and Hillary combined!) We have a 24-hour per day audience with the only power strong enough to end police violence, give every person real value, and stop the evil schemes of international war-mongers.  Instead of worrying or complaining, God’s people need to talk to their God.

– Pastor Mark