The Walled City

Because I am a Registered Nurse as well as a licensed Master Esthetician, I belong to quite a few private, professional message boards. These boards, not open to the general public, are a way to connect and network with my peers as well as exchange information and ideas; extra "tools" in my tool belt, if you will. Generally, I really enjoy the camaraderie found there and am an active participant.

I'm not enjoying it so much lately. The political climate of our country has turned my supportive networks into pools of hungry piranha - ready to devour those not "like minded" to the very bone. Free discourse, while touted, is not permitted...unless you're speaking the way left liberal party line, that is.

I do not post my political views on these boards as I feel that is a bit too personal and I prefer to remain on the professional side of the fence. But it pains me to see people with more conservative views mocked, insulted and ridiculed for sharing their beliefs. Hmm...that's starting to sound familiar, isn't it?!

As I was finishing up my Bible reading this morning, I found something very appropriate waiting for me. As usual!

"Listen to my prayer, O God. Do not ignore my cry for help! Please listen and answer me, for I am overwhelmed by my troubles. My enemies shout at me, making loud and wicked threats. They bring trouble on me and angrily hunt me down. My heart pounds in my chest. The terror of death assaults me. Fear and trembling overwhelm me, and I can't stop shaking. Oh, that I had wings like a dove; then I would fly away and rest! I would fly far away to the quiet of the wilderness. How quickly I would escape -- far from this wild storm of hatred. Confuse them, Lord, and frustrate their plans, for I see violence and conflict in the city. Its walls are patrolled day and night against invaders, but the real danger is wickedness within the city. Everything is falling apart; threats and cheating are rampant in the streets. It is not an enemy who taunts me -- I could bear that. It is not my foes who so arrogantly insult me -- I could have hidden from them. Instead, it is you -- my equal, my companion and close friend. What good fellowship we once enjoyed as we walked together to the house of God." Psalm 55:1-14

My prayer is that once the election is over, the angry maelstrom will fade and not too many will have perished in the storm...

"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. He ransoms me and keeps me safe from the battle waged against me, though many still oppose me. God, who has ruled forever, will hear me and humble them. For my enemies refuse to change their ways; they do not fear God."
Psalm 55: 16-19

How have your lives been touched by the political frenzy all around us? I pray God's protection and strength over you, in Jesus' name...amen.