“Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act. Don’t worry about evil people who prosper or fret about their wicked schemes. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land… Soon the wicked will disappear. Though you look for them, they will be gone.” Psalm 37:7-10
Heavenly Father, thank you for the wisdom and hope of this Psalm. The ongoing war in Ukraine continues to deeply disturb us. Anger, heartache, fear—these and other emotions are filling our hearts. How long before “the wicked will disappear”? When will “soon” become now?
How can one group of image bearers of God claim supremacy, authority, and power over others? How can missiles, bombs, and bullets be flown, dropped, and shot at neighbors without any provocation—not in self-defense, but in self-assertion? We hate it, and we hurt from it.
Father may your Kingdom come, and your will be done, on earth, as it is in heaven… soon. Vengeance belongs to you, not to us. Stilling our hearts before you, waiting patiently (not passively), praying ceaselessly, and hoping fiercely… these belong to us.
If NATO can’t/won’t “protect the skies,” deploy angels. Cause malfunction in the equipment and ordinance of those attacking Ukraine. In Russia, Ukraine, and in neighboring nations… sovereignly, powerfully, gloriously, bring many to a saving knowledge of Jesus.
Easter reminds us when evil does its worse, you Father, do your best. Grant us grace to love mercy, do justice, and walk humbly with you, all the way into the new heaven and new earth. So Very Amen.