September 11 is a very special and memorable day indeed! On that day, 2,977 lives were lost, and countless other lives were forever changed by the events of “9-11” that took place on American soil 18 years ago. September 11, 2001 marked a day that will surely always be remembered. Many are made to reflect where they were on that day. Some can recall what they were doing when the air waves came alive with the horrific news that airplanes were crashing into our most awesome structures. Then and the days following, I vividly remember many desiring to turn back to God. The little congregation of which my wife and I were a part was filled the Sunday following these events. However, shortly after those days, many minds began to forget God once again, just as many had done prior to that day. Tragedy has a way of causing folks to look upward. However, as tragedy gives way to time, many begin to look everywhere but up! As I look back to the awful events of “9-11,” I see the same truths that some have forgotten. As we look back, we should always remember the following.
God is the only control! Especially during times of calamity, we sometimes forget this awesome truth. No matter what happens, it is God Who is still in control of everything! Job, in answering Zophar, clearly stated the truth that in God’s hand “is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10). Jehoshaphat boldly declared the same, “…O Lord God of our fathers, art not thou God in heaven? And rulest not thou over all the kingdoms of the heathen? And in thine hand is there not power and might, so that none is able to withstand thee?“ (2 Chronicles 20:6). Given the events of “9-11” the wise man’s inspired testimony is refreshing: “There are many devices in a man’s heart: nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). As I look back to that terrible day 18 years ago, I am reminded of the fact that God’s “…kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19b), “and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, what doest thou” (Daniel 4:35). Dear Readers, no matter the tragedy, God is in control!
God is the only compass! During the catastrophe of “9-11,” many folks began to look toward God. One can only imagine the multitude of prayers that were sent to the throne room of Heaven that day. Atheism was no resource, agnosticism gave no direction, and materialism certainly did nothing to help guide America through those devastating days. Even though some soon forgot, God became our compass of what to do and where to go. Jeremiah’s words of old are as fresh as the day they were first penned: “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). We obviously need a moral mandate, a directional discipline and a greater guide than ourselves! “Where there is no vision the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18). Mankind may look everywhere to find guidance, but God is the only true compass!
God is the only comfort! Where could all those poor victims’ families find comfort? Where could every American find true and lasting solace? Real, lasting comfort comes from Almighty God! Paul referred to God as the “God of all comfort” (2 Corinthians 1:3b). Every tribulation we face can only be calmed by God (2 Corinthians 1:4). “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, will not we fear, though the earth be removed…” (Psalm 46:1-2a). Isaiah was guided to write of God’s comfort to the troubled people of Judah. “Behold, God is my salvation: I will trust, and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song: he also is my salvation” (Isaiah 12:2). Outside of God, there is no lasting comfort for life’s difficulties! Even in death and destruction, God is the Comforter. “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me: thy rod and thy staff they comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).
September 11, 2001 was and is certainly a memorable day—one that Americans and much of the world will never forget. As we look back, may we learn to lean on the Almighty more and more each day! May we never forget that God is the only control, God is the only true compass, and God is the only true comfort! Please, America, turn back to Him!
