The Greatest Joy on Inauguration Day
Monday was our country’s Presidential Inauguration Day. I heard from a few who were planning to watch the events and take it all in. Once again our country experienced a peaceful transition of power, at a time when other countries are experiencing great turmoil with their presidential transitions. It also happened to be our nation’s annual remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr, a man who stood for freedom, peace, and a focus on the heart rather than external differences, or as he said, “the content of his character.”
There was much to celebrate Monday, but I think the thing that deserves the most celebration by our church likely flew under the radar for most. I heard something about hostages being released, but didn’t catch any of the details. Yesterday morning a friend from my seminary days texted and said, “Did you hear the news? My good friend Ryan was finally released from the Taliban!” When you personally know a hostage, it really stands out when they are set free!
Imagine how Ryan’s wife and kids feel today. They’ve been without him now for almost 900 days, since August of 2022. Think of all the life you have experienced with your friends and family since that time that would have been missed. But now he’s coming home, and he even has ties to Louisville, which makes the return that much more meaningful. His wife and friends and father (former pastor) were all praying for his return and hearing that news would have been their greatest joy on Inauguration Day!
As we head into 2025, let us not forget the unparalleled power of prayer.
- It’s not celebrated by the world but it must be elevated in the church.
- A life of prayer builds humility.
- A commitment to prayer increases dependence on Christ.
- Regular prayer reminds us that God is the One at work.
- And when He moves, we are reminded, as was Joseph in Genesis 39:23, “whatever he did, the Lord made it succeed.”
Last Sunday we wrapped up our “Know Thyself” mini-series. This week we return to 1 Peter for the next six weeks. Read ahead in 1 Peter 4:7-11 as we prepare to focus on the power of prayer. If we want to see God move and Grow Valley View in the South End of Louisville, our starting place in 2025 is prayer. May He guide you to find more moments of prayer this week.
Photo by Patrick Fore on Unsplash