My heart is broken … radiant colors for 2021 in pieces.

After a 2020 filled with murders, riots, rage, the cancel culture, COVID-19, loss of loved ones, loss of finances, loss of jobs, politics, and natural disasters, we all looked forward to a new year.

A new year filled with the pandemic conquered, regained jobs, renewed strength, and a new normal.

But this week, we, again, saw America at the boiling point … rage out of control … but this time was different.

This time, it was an attack upon the very principles America once stood for. Democracy. Constitution. Peace. Freedom.

It’s up to you and me, Christ followers. After Solomon dedicated the temple to the Lord, God appeared to Solomon.

“At times I might shut up the heavens so that no rain falls, or command grasshoppers to devour your crops, or send plagues among you. 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 7:13-14.

Since Christians have been grafted into the tree of promise (Romans 11:17), these verses also apply to us. We have sinned. We have allowed America to turn from God. We are no longer a nation under God. But we can return to God.

We’re not called to protest. We’re not called to rage. We’re not called to violence. We’re called to love.

“Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living.” Romans 13:10-12

Let us humble ourselves before God and pray fervently as we seek God. Let us confess our sins to our holy God and turn from our wicked ways.

God will hear.

God will forgive.

God will restore America … IF.

If God’s people humbly seek God, pray, and turn from our wicked ways, God will restore.

We may have scars, but those will remind us of the miracle that God worked in America. Those scars will cause us to rejoice in gratitude.

Almighty God, Maker of heaven and earth, nothing is impossible for You. Righteous Father, You are holy, and we are sinners. We have sinned against You. Have mercy on us. Pour out Your forgiveness upon America and Your people. Send revival and an awakening. We turn from our evil ways. Restore America, Lord. Restore it to one nation under You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Will you join with me in humbly seeking God, praying, confessing our sins, and turning from them?