Northwest Blackout of 1965: Was God Praised?

By Darrien DeFederico

Psalms 22:22 (NASB95)

22 I will tell of Your name to my brethren; In the midst of the assembly I will praise You.

Devotional

While the world is a sinful place, there are moments where mankind as a whole bands together to try and help one another. It is not often, but when it happens, it can feel almost spiritual, knowing it is not the normal experience from all the hate and vitriolic dialogue that it presented on media today. One such moral high mark of humanity occurred in 1965, when the northeast region of the United States suffered a terrible blackout. While one would expect case after case of looting, shooting and perhaps murder, surprising only five reports of looting were made in New York City after the 1965 blackout. It was said to be the lowest amount of crime on any night in the city's history since records were first kept. It was so remarkable that the New York City Transit Authority placed posters in the subways thanking people for staying on their best behavior during the blackout. It states: "When the lights went out, you were at your brightest."

How crazy is that? If you turn forward the clock by just a couple of years, you would find something horrible and contradictory. In 1977, New York City experienced another blackout. Instead of good behavior and brotherly love, the city became a disaster. Looting and vandalism were widespread in New York City, with many neighborhoods being affected. The moral decay in New York City was so pronounced that it was felt only a decade later.

One could go on and on about the moral decay, but it should be expected that the world as a whole is fallen, so moral decay can and does primarily occur whenever God is rejected. However, that is not point. Instead, what about in those rare moments of moral virtue? In those picturesque scenarios where the goodness of man is exalted and individuals do good to others; is God praised? Did any return in 1965 to offer thanks to God for protection and restoration of electrical service? If we go by Scripture, we know that likely not many gave God the praise He deserved for helping them through a dark situation. Only one leper returned to Jesus after most of his fellow lepers took advantage of Him and went on their way (Luke 17:11-19).

It is easy to claim the credit when good things happen in our lives. Maybe we are paragons of righteous living, or perhaps we are on the receiving end of divine blessings. Many of us that are Christians likely do already thank God for His blessings (hopefully often). However, do we take time to praise God "in the midst of the assembly" as David did (Psalm 22:22)?

In the original context, David is likely referring to a worship context where fellow believers are gathered together to offer thanks to God. While this is important to do, does it not have application outside of traditional religious services? What about at work or school when good things come our way and others notice? Do we announce to others that these blessings can only have come from God, or do we just act like they are somehow a product of only hard work or good living? For example, if you make a miraculous recovery from illness, or you had something great happen to you (such as acquiring a new job, house or material possession), do you announce to others that it is because He is faithful and kind? These could be evangelistic opportunities that are not being taken advantage of.

Prayer

Father, help us to praise You for the good moments we have in our lives. Jesus, when You help us through difficulties, help us return to offer You praise. Let us declare to all, believers and unbelievers, of the great things You have done!