Unrest in the City

“Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets. Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city.” (Psalm 55:6, 9, 11)

Probably, most of us feel like David when we listen to the nightly news! Daily reports of lootings, shootings, rapes, hate crimes, attempted abductions, road rage, stabbings, and muggings can make you feel vulnerable and unsafe. Anymore, you don’t know if differences of opinion are going to be settled with guns or knives like the Wild West.

What do you do when you feel unsafe in your own community? Like David, we want to fly away. Is the answer to move your home or business out of the city to the suburbs? What if that is not an option? What if you can’t afford to move? I’m NOT implying that those who have done so have made poor decisions.

But how do you thrive in such an environment of unrest? People are looking for answers and a sense of security. The unrest in the city is ripe for the gospel. That’s why Rescue Missions are downtown. That’s why some churches have intentionally moved INTO the city, to be a witness of God’s love.

Jesus said, “COME TO ME, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find REST FOR YOUR SOULS.” (Matthew 11:28–29)

What can we learn from David?

He Prayed

“But I will call on God, and the Lord will rescue me. Morning, noon, and night I cry out in my distress, and the Lord hears my voice.” (Psalm 55:16–17)

“Then if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

“Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”” (Jeremiah 29:7)

He Trusted God

“But as for me, I trust in You.” (Psalm 55:23)
Rather than fear the future, we must continue to trust the Lord.

Prayer may not be all we should do, but that is something all of us can do.

Don’t fly away. Work for peace. Pray for peace. Keep on sharing the love of Jesus.