As Russian troops amassed at the borders of Ukraine for many months, as threats were shared and then as the invasion began into Ukraine, the world looked on with a range of emotions. We felt anger towards Putin and the other evil leaders who planned and launched this attack against the people of Ukraine. We felt sadness for the many people, families, parents, children, political leaders and soldiers who would come under attack, be displaced and give the ultimate sacrifice of their lives. We looked on with a bit of anxiety as sanctions were instituted and NATO and many world leaders made statements of condemnation and calls for ceasing the invasion. We wandered who would side with Putin? What would, will be Putin’s response or more likely reaction to sanctions, to support of Ukraine, to military response by other nations, including the United States?
On the night of the invasion, my wife said, “We need to talk about this!” What do we need to do in the face of a possible world war?” What are we going to face in our own country? What about the economy? What about food supplies? Gas prices? What could we do? What can we do? What should be our response?
On the heals of a world Covid Pandemnic, we face yet another unknown and potentially life changing world event that could have significant and lasting consequences on every area of our lives. Many of our family members, neighbors and friends serve in the armed forces of these United States of America. Some have already been called up and stationed in countries surrounding the conflict. Will our men and women be deployed and ultimately end up in combat with Russian troops or Russian allies? Putin has threatened severe consequences for anyone who opposes his invasion. He has put his nuclear weapons team on high alert. With so many questions, with so many unknowns, how are we as followers of Jesus to respond, to live, to act in the face of this unfolding conflict in Ukraine?
As part of an annual planning retreat this past weekend, I took some time to read and meditate on Psalm 46.
Psalm 46:1–11 (The Message): 1–3 46 God is a safe place to hide, ready to help when we need him. We stand fearless at the cliff-edge of doom, courageous in sea-storm and earthquake, Before the rush and roar of oceans, the tremors that shift mountains. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. 4–6 River fountains splash joy, cooling God’s city, this sacred haunt of the Most High. God lives here, the streets are safe, God at your service from crack of dawn. Godless nations rant and rave, kings and kingdoms threaten, but Earth does anything he says. 7 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. 8–10 Attention, all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee. “Step out of the traffic! Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything.” 11 Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us. Peterson, E. H. (2005). The Message: the Bible in contemporary language (Ps 46:1–11). NavPress.
Oh what a reminder, what a comfort that no matter how dangerous or dire the circumstances of our world become, we have a God who provides a “safe place to hide.” We are reminded of a God who “fights for us, God-of-Angel-Armies protects us.” We only have to look away from the device, the computer or television display and out upon the display of God’s creation. “Attention all! See the marvels of God! He plants flowers and trees all over the earth, Bans war from pole to pole, breaks all the weapons across his knee.” We are further encouraged to “Step out of the traffic!” Step out of the social media and news traffic for a while. We are invited by our Father, “Take a long, loving look at me, your High God, above politics, above everything. Jacob-wrestling God fights for us, God-of-Angel Armies protects us.”
This morning I sat on our back deck and in the cold, crisp air of the dawning of the month of March. I observed the dawning of the sun, the dispelling of darkness, the lifting of the light of the Sun, bringing perspective and warmth to the new day. Are we impacted by the darkness and evil of our world, of world leaders like Putin? Yes, absolutely. But our future is not determined by any earthly force or ruler. God shines light into our lives, into our circumstances, families, work, finances and shows us He is has a higher purpose and plan. Though we may face pain and suffering, we will not remain in this situation.
Psalm 30:4–5 (ESV): 4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his saints, and give thanks to his holy name. 5 For his anger is but for a moment, and his favor is for a lifetime. Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning.
1 Peter 5:8–11 (ESV): 8 Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. 10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. 11 To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.
There are many biblical promises for us to know and hold in turbulent and uncertain times. Crossway just published a post entitled: 10 Passages to Read in the Face of Global Conflict.
RESTORING HOPE 