“The earth is the Lord’s”

National crises sometimes bring with them unexpected positive experiences. They can be a catalyst for cooperation, unselfishness, and national unity. Awe-inspiring acts of courage and spontaneous demonstrations of selflessness can spring up in the midst of extreme circumstances. And these events can inspire a renewed sense of oneness that may have been dormant, just waiting to be rekindled.

One of the most beautiful things I have witnessed at a time of global conflict is the world uniting in prayer. While no two prayers are alike, the motive is the same—turning to a higher power for guidance and help. Our prayers for the world can be greatly supported by the inspired words of the Psalmist, who declared, “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof” (Psalms 24:1). Acknowledging this places every nation under the protecting wing of the Almighty, whose reign can never be threatened or deposed, for as a hymn I love says, “His kingdom is forever” (Frederic W. Root, Christian Science Hymnal, No. 10). 

Ideas cannot be owned, suspended, or suppressed.