Home Tools for your Journey Aug 2

Sunday, August 2

By the blessing of the upright, a city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked.
—Proverbs 11:11

It's not something we hear very often—that our cities thrive when we, the citizens of them, use our words and life to bless them. We can easily find ourselves complaining or using negative language about our cities rather than being the ones calling down heaven's blessing on those communities that harbor our lives, our relationships, our work, and our play.

We are saddened when the media reports exploitation by politicians and leaders who are meant to be public servants. Such reports are tragic because exploitation and abuse grind down the beauty, possibility, and potential of a city's inhabitants. What is left behind is a scratching emptiness that invites further violence and abuse. The light that stands expectantly by becomes covered with darkness and despair.

We have the capacity to use our words to scatter the darkness and make the light visible. As we open our eyes and souls to the pain and pathos, to the delight and hope that pulsate in our cities, we have the opportunity to use our words to bring blessing on those in pain and celebration to those dwelling in hope.

When words of blessing are called down, our cities are lifted up.  Imagine a city rich in peace simply because we cared enough to ask for God's abundant blessing.

Gracious God, let the blessing of heaven descend like gentle rain on the city in which I dwell.