Heart Issues

Psalm 46:1-7, "God is our refuge and strength,

A very present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear,
Even though the earth be removed,
And though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;
3 Though its waters roar and be troubled,
Though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah

4 There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God,
The holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
5 God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved;
God shall help her, just at the break of dawn.
6 The nations raged, the kingdoms were moved;
He uttered His voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us;
The God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah   (NKJV)

Psalm 46 was read by our Worship Leader in this past Sunday's service. It continues to speak to my heart today. I join with many of you expressing my concern about the condition of the "heart" of our nation. Is it possible that the problems in our nation are evident to us because of our "heart" problems? My wife works with a group of Cardiologists. Many of their patients exhibit certain "symptoms" in their bodies that reveal to the naked eye that they are experiencing issues with their heart. Needless to say there are also other patients who can only be diagnosed when their heart is listened to with a stethoscope or other diagnostic tools. BUT EACH OF THESE PATIENTS ARE SUFFERING ISSUES WITH THEIR HEART!! Some symptoms are visible while other symptoms are hidden beneath the surface of the skin.

I realize that there will be those people who will say that my analogy is very basic and simplistic. They will also say that the issues that we are facing personally as well as collectively are far more serious and far deeper than I can even imagine. You are welcome to your opinion to say the least and I will respectfully accept your differing view. I also understand that our problems will not be solved with one blog post from me. But I also understand that the problems in our individual lives as well as our nation continue to escalate. Political leaders plan more meetings to deal with the issues. Even spiritual leaders call for more meetings to address the issues. People who are dealing with issues in their lives also call for more meetings. 

I am not against dialogue; as matter of fact I believe dialogue can be a benefit if it is handled correctly. I need to interject a question concerning these meetings. It appears that we are leaving out the only Person with Power that can change the heart. Where is the Lord God Almighty included in these meetings? Have you ever heard the expression, "Come to Jesus Meeting." I believe that our nation needs to have a nationwide time of Prayer in which we call on the True and Living God. He has promised to be our "refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Don't you believe that we need a refuge, we need His strength and we need His help in the troubles that we are facing?

I truly believe that God can transform the "hearts" of America. But each of us have to be willing to surrender our lives to Him. And that is where the battle of self desire, selfishness and self denial begins to take over. I refuse to give up on the belief that God desires to touch each of us with His presence and His power. Our problem as a nation is a "heart" problem. Far too many of us have left God out of our lives!! We have chosen to follow our on way rather than God's way of love, grace, mercy, care, concern for each other, kindness, respect, appreciation, thankfulness, etc.