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War in a Weary World
War is a terrible thing. We feel for the people impacted by the war in Ukraine whose homes are being destroyed and whose lives are being lost. We wonder how much suffering they are in and we have great sorrow. We worry for ourselves whether this will reach us in a practical way. Just yesterday, our family was talking about war and Evony said she is scared of being drafted. While that was not a rational fear, it shows the turmoil war brings upon us all. And what a time. It feels like we can’t catch a break. We have been so burdened with Covid for the last two years and now this trouble. I don’t know about you, but my soul groans in this weary world.
The Psalmist has a similar feeling in Psalms 5 saying: “Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.” The evil circumstances around him have led to groaning within and he looks to God in anticipation. The reason is that he knows the character of God contrasts with the wickedness around him, saying: “For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.” So, his response to the circumstances and groaning is to rush to the house of the Lord saying: “But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.”
In reality, we were all those evil men God abhors. However, through the love and sacrifice of Christ, we now have His righteousness to characterize our lives and save us from the wrath of God. The truth is that God hates evil far more than we do and paid the ultimate price to save and transform all who believe. He paid for my evil on the cross and He will provide true justice for all the evil in the world at the proper time.
In the meantime, I encourage our response to the groaning of our present world to be that of the Psalmist. To go to the house of the Lord to seek God’s presence. To bring prayers and praise before our God, laying all troubles at His feet. We need to keep praying earnestly for the people in Ukraine. Pray for the churches in that land. Pray for the missionaries displaced from their people. Pray for our brothers and sisters in great trial. I have been so encouraged by all the prayers and prayer requests I have already seen pouring out. But we also praise God that He is not surprised. Praise God that He is righteous in contrast to all evil. Praise God that He loves the people in Ukraine more than you or I ever could. And praise God that He will win every victory in His perfect timing.
Jacob
