NASHVILLE, Tenn. – America has not been the same since September 11, 2001, when terrorists attacked our nation, resulting in nearly 3,000 deaths, 400 of which were first responders. A generation has been born since this horrible day in our history and we must never forget how that day changed America in our generation.
Since this day, it seems that enemies within our nation and enemies outside of our nation have continually threatened the security and protection of the United States of America. Schools, churches, airports, businesses, government buildings, parks, concert arenas and our public venues are now open prey to the attacks of our enemies upon innocent Americans.
While security measures have taken place and are being tweaked continually to secure our nation, authorities can only do so much to protect us. We need the Lord to secure and protect us.
Even when King David was being attacked by his enemies, he cried out to God, “But You, Lord, are a shield around me” (Psalm 3:3).
With all of his great armies and weaponry, King David knew that God could do more for him than his powerful forces could ever do on their own.
The people of the United States, especially the children in our schools, need God’s defense and covering. We are each vulnerable, and we need God’s intervention now to secure and protect us.
And the answer to our security and protection only comes through prayer.
Praying for America should be our first choice in this battle – not our last choice!
God is our hope; our last, great and only hope. Therefore, we need to pray like we believe this with all we are.
Our protection and security is not in the hands of the United States government; they are in the hands of our Sovereign God. Yes, our lives are in His hands!
That is why I believe our greatest hope lies only in Jesus Christ, His gospel and the advancement of this Good News message reaching every corner of America and across this world.
So on this day of remembrance, while we call out to God for security and protection, we need to simultaneously pray extraordinarily for the next Great Spiritual Awakening in America. I believe this is our greatest hope for the future of America and for the church.
Written by Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Published by Baptist Press, the official news service of the Southern Baptist Convention.