Stop, Drop and Pray

"This is the day that the Lord hath made;  Let us rejoice and be glad in it."  (Psalm 118:24)

It seems almost impossible to praise God in the midst of our terrible days!  How can we do that?  We remember 10 years ago today how the world was in shock following the early morning attacks of terrorists on America.   As that day unfolded, there seemed to be little for which to thank God.  Instead of thanksgiving, many felt anxiety, anger and fear, among other emotions.  How could we praise God in the midst of such tragic loss that day?  Maybe it was too fresh, too hard to praise God at that time for really our hearts and minds were overwhelmed with other terrifying things.  And yet, if we look back we must stop and praise God for the firefighters who rushed into harms way knowing full well they would likely not return.  We should stop to praise God for the heroes who brought down United Flight 93 so another target could not be hit.  Maybe, in our sobering reflection on that day, we can find peace in praising God for what happened in the aftermath?

St. Augustine reminds us of our human struggle for peace.  He wrote in Confessions, "Our hearts are restless, Oh God, until we find peace with thee."  What we need to do most is find that peace with God that may have eluded us 10 years ago.  You remember don't you, how the masses flocked to the church seeking comfort and answers for weeks following that tragic day?  Yet, a short time later many returned to whatever normal routine there was in their lives before.  Maybe, we failed to find real peace and therefore have failed to genuinely praise God through even this tragedy?  Maybe, the peace that they needed was found and people moved on?

For me, I need that daily reminder of God in the Psalms to "Be still and know that I am God."  (Psalm 46:10)  For me, I need that daily reminder of God that we should thank Him in all circumstances and acknowledge there is peace in the praise.  We certainly don't have to thank God for the trials we face, but thank God for the Presence and Peace He offers through the trial.

The Apostle Paul illustrates through his many trials a peace that surpasses all understanding in Christ Jesus our Lord.  But before that peace is realized he writes, "Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  Do not  not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the Peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord!"

So as we begin this season of Prayer (30 Day Pray), let us be mindful of our call to praise God even for the trials and tragedies we face and for the once we have faced.  Let us learn how to Stop, Drop and Praise!  In the prayer and praise we find peace!