(Please join me in praying for our nation and world on Tuesdays this year.)
“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed.
Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” (Matthew 24:6 NIV)
I’m not all that familiar with Dolly Parton’s music, but these words really caught my attention.
“Don’t Make Me Have to Come Down There” by Dolly Parton
Last night I had a dream about God
He was standing on a mountain top
Looking down, around in such dismay
And in my dream I heard him say
Don’t make me have to come down there
My children, you had best beware
If you don’t pay attention, consequences will be dire
Don’t make me have to come down there
I’ve told you time and time again
You can’t disobey and hope to win
I am still the boss here in case there’s any doubt
You know I put you in this world and I can take you out
Don’t make me have to come down there
You’ve always been my cross to bear
I’ve let you try my patience as all good Fathers do
You’re on my last nerve, I have had it up to here with you
I gave you a book, you didn’t read it
I gave you my word, you didn’t heed it
Gave you a map, you said you didn’t need it
And now you’ve lost direction and you’re wandering aimlessly
Don’t make me have to come down there
This is not a game of truth or dare
Now I don’t want to punish you, but if it has to be
This is gonna hurt you more than it hurts me
Don’t make me have to come down there
Bridge this great divide and make repairs
Go to your room and pray ’til you can learn to play fair
Don’t make me have to come down there
Politics, earthquakes, erratic weather
Pandemics, war, and hate
Turn a deaf ear, a blind eye; I am wondering whether
I should take my Bible belt and whip you into shape
Don’t make me have to come down there
My children you had best beware
Clean up this mess and put on something decent to wear
Don’t make me have to come down there
Don’t make me have to come down there
My children you had best beware
Why can’t you learn to listen, and learn to love and share
Don’t make me have to come down there”
Incarnate God,
Thank you for “coming down here” in the form of Jesus, 2000 years ago. Thank you for sending Holy Spirit to be within each of your believing children. God, as you know, this world is a mess, mess, mess. War, rumors of war, strife, anger, angst, and so much more. Help us humans to listen to and turn to you as we pray and read your Word. Give us a hunger for your faithfulness, your righteousness, and your peace. Help us love you and love the world. We ask in Jesus’s name, Amen.
“Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other.” (Psalm 85:10 NIV)
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love.” (John 15:9-10 NIV)