Have They Not Known?

“Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is HE who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, Who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He brings the princes to nothing; He makes the judges of the earth useless.” Isaiah 40: 21-23

We’ve all heard on the news in the past day or two how the courts have decided that the National Day Of Prayer is “unconstitutional”. Now, it has never been my desire to turn this blog into a platform for making political statements, and I don’t intend to start now. Whether or not I agree with the judges or the Supreme Court or the current Administration’s assessment is not the issue. My opinion isn’t the one that is important.

It occurred to me that our founding fathers didn’t have a National Day Of Prayer, but they prayed. Godly people pray—it’s as simple as that. If we are in the habit of praying, praising, and lifting up the name of Jesus Christ, no court edict is going to stop us from doing so. But what about those who only pray sporadically? The say grace over their food, they bow their heads at church when the pastor prays, and they may or may not mumble a “thank You for this day” as they lay their head down at night. They are in the practice of waiting for a certain event that tells them it’s time to pray—an event like the National Day Of Prayer. Will those people pray regardless of what the courts say?

Those who fall into that category will be faced with a choice. They can either re-examine their own hearts and determine to become a vessel of prayer, or not. Perhaps some will find this court decision outrageous and grow a good crop of indignity over it, determining they WILL pray, not only on the first Thursday in May (May 6th) but daily. Perhaps the taking away of this national observance will motivate them to be more faithful in prayer.

The fact is nobody can stop us from praying. Whether or not we are permitted to do so in a public gathering that bears a title indicating it is sanctioned by our law-makers is in question. But if we, as children of God, determine that we are going to pray on whatever day we choose, no law or court decision can stop us.

In the book of Exodus, Moses raised up his hands to pray from the top of a hill while a battle took place in the valley below. He stood there all day and prayed, and his arms became tired. Did he stop praying? Did he give up? Did he say, “Oh well, I did my best and that’s all I can do”? No. Two men, one of them Moses’ own brother, positioned themselves on either side of him and held his arms up and helped him pray. They prayed corporately, steadfastly, until the going down of the sun, and God blessed their effort.

The above verses from the book of Isaiah, paint a picture of our nation today. It’s mind-boggling how many in our government set themselves in positions of authority that they THINK transcend God’s authority. Verse 23 of Isaiah chapter 40 declared that God will “bring the princes to nothing, and make the judges of the earth useless.” I think that pretty well sums up God’s opinion of any court decision regarding the National Day Of Prayer.

God said, “If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and HEAL THEIR LAND.” 2nd Chronicles 7:14

Thanks for letting me share my heart.