It's hard to know what to pray forthese days. There are so many different areas of need and conflict in the worldthat it is difficult to focus and concentrate on what’s really important.Whether it is lives lost through war, property damaged by hurricanes, or politicalintrigue and hostility, there just seems to be so much pain, chaos, andsuffering in the world that it overwhelms even the strongest of Christians.

            In my study, I have a small pictureof Abraham Lincoln that someone gave me when I first came to the United States.Below the portrait, there is a sentence that Lincoln wrote during the CivilWar. Whenever I get dismayed with what's happening in the world, I look acrossmy desk and think about these words from Lincoln:

"Iknow that the Lord is always on the side of the right. But it is my constantanxiety and prayer that I and this nation should be on the Lord's side."         

            In the midst of all that'shappening, we need to remember that God is right in the middle of all of this,working out His plans to thwart evil, and lead Christ’s church to overcomesuffering. God’s side is the best side, so we should surrender our prayers, ouranxieties, and concerns into the Lord’s will. When we do that, God will guideus about what to focus on, what to pray for, and what to do.

Pointto ponder: How can I align myself with God’s compassion, love, and will?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, You suffered an agonizing, painfuland shameful death, which broke God's heart and yet it healed the world. Intimes like these, we need Your guidance, Your goodness, and Your grace torestore our hope, faith, and confidence in God's plan for the world. Be with usnow and lead us. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

JohnStuart is a Scottish Presbyterian pastor now living in Knoxville, Tennessee.