Today - September 11, 2011 - marks the 10th Anniversary of a day that changed the lives of the entire world. Looking back to that day - September 11, 2001 - I remember how shocked and afraid America was. America had been brought to its knees literally and figuratively.
Out of fear for the future of our country, America as a country looked to God for His protection and guidance. I remember how America sought out the Lord for refuge. We were so despondent about what had just happened, and what lied ahead, America, as a country prayed. In fact, on September 14, 2011 we held the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance. During that ceremony, President George W. Bush spoke the following words:
On this national day of prayer and remembrance, we ask almighty God to watch over our nation and grant us patience and resolve in all that is to come. We pray that He will comfort and console those who now walk in sorrow. We thank Him for each life we now must mourn, and the promise of a life to come.
As we've been assured, neither death nor life nor angels nor principalities, nor powers nor things present nor things to come nor height nor depth can separate us from God's love.
May He bless the souls of the departed. May He comfort our own. And may He always guide our country.
What is clear 10 years after the tragedy of September 11, 2011 is that God still reigns. No matter how horrific the tragedy of that terrorist act was, it is apparent that God is still in control. As Psalm 47:7-9 states,
Psalm 47:7-9 (NIV)
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing to him a psalm of praise.
sing to him a psalm of praise.
8 God reigns over the nations;
God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble
as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings[a] of the earth belong to God;
he is greatly exalted.
God is seated on his holy throne.
9 The nobles of the nations assemble
as the people of the God of Abraham,
for the kings[a] of the earth belong to God;
he is greatly exalted.
Let us not forget that no matter what happens in our lives, even when tragedy causes despair, help and hope comes from the Lord. Let us look to Psalm 46 for comfort.
Psalm 46 (NIV)
1 God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
an ever-present help in trouble.
2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
3 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.
Ten years later, as a result of that fateful day, we have God to thank for keeping America safe. If it were not for the Lord, where would we be? In remembrance of that day, let us thank God for His protection. Let us take some time to pray...
