There is no question that our country is experiencing a reckoning moment when it comes to race in a way that we’ve not seen in recent times. The conversation about multiculturalism and equality is at a fever pitch, and is shaping every aspect of this current cultural moment.

This begs the question, “Is it possible to find rest in the midst of the racial tension in our country?” I truly believe the answer is yes.

Regardless of the type of circumstances, our rest will never be founded in our human ability to navigate hard times. Although we must do all we can to listen, learn, and lean in, we need supernatural insight and understanding from God to inform and shape the way we see and navigate the road ahead.

To look inward is to attempt to identify the barriers to intimacy with God in your own heart. It is to examine your own life, and attempt to find any sin or blind spots that may be causing you to be out of rhythm with God. When we find these things, we can bring them before God, confess that they’ve been a part of our lives, and allow Him to restore us through repentance. 

To look upward is to worship God for who He is and to invite the insight and understanding that comes from Him alone into our lives. It is to listen for His voice and to ask Him to guide and direct the way forward, rather than trusting solely in what we know to be the best human planning or thinking. It’s inviting God’s Spirit to be present in every aspect of our daily lives.

To look outward is to see others through the lenses of the Gospel. It is to extend the grace and mercy that we’ve received from God, which we do not deserve, to those around us. We need to ask God for the strength to remain prayerful for situations that seem insurmountable. We need to ask God to give us soft hearts that will allow us to pray for our enemies and those who trouble us.

There is no easy way forward when it comes to the difficult task of engaging in the conversation about race. But, if we can individually seek to take the inward, upward, outward posture every day, we will be able to move toward remaining restful in the midst of chaos.