If my people…Day 26

“Give ear to my prayer, O God, and do not hide Yourself from my supplication. Attend to me, and hear me; I am restless in my complaint, and moan noisily.” Psalm 55:1 – 2

I remember how excited I was to take on the study and project for my Six Sigma Green Belt certification. My goal was to reduce the expenditure of our Vendor Management and increase the efficiencies. I began by gathering data to support my assumptions and began the analysis. It took weeks to measure the number of vendors, the contracts, and the cost, against the efficiencies needed for our vendor base. But when it was over, we had a true picture of what was needed to move ahead.

Wouldn’t it be great if we did that for every problem America faces today? Let’s take the assumptions of abuse in our American population. We know what the assumptive statement would be, “Truth.” What if we gather the data behind each instance of abuse (no matter who was involved) and analyze it for the root cause. It may take weeks to get to the truth, but once that was established, then justice could move ahead with certainty and fairness for both victim and abuser. We would not be moving on emotions or inaccurate bias, but on data; facts over fiction.

We often take on others’ burdens because we feel hurt for them. We see the pain they are going through and want immediate action. Sometimes that action is more harmful to America than helpful. Empathy is a good emotion; it is taking experiences that God has allowed in our lives to help others. We have been through it and survived. Sympathy, however, needs to be kept in check. We can sympathize with others without really knowing how they feel and that often leads to burdens without relief. We see no end in sight because we, ourselves, have not survived it. Sympathy is usually when we take action without knowing the cause.

Instead of an overdose of sympathy, what if we let those who are hurting know we are praying for God to get them through their pain. That trust in officials getting to the “root cause” is not a bad thing. It may take time, but it will happen.

Lord, there are so many times when we have burdens almost too heavy to bear. Our nation faces hardships and pain; we need Your wisdom and help in all areas. Strengthen us as a people and lead us in the way that will bring honor and glory to You. Lord, You have promised that if we humble ourselves and seek Your face and pray, You will heal (America). May we forever be humble in Your sight, and may we experience Your blessings in the midst of our great need. In Jesus’ Name, Amen

“If my people, who are called by my Name, humble themselves and pray, and seek my Face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV