Though an Army Besiege Me + Matching Gift for Ukraine
Scripture:
- Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident. One thing I have asked of the LORD; this is what I desire: to dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and seek Him in His temple. Psalms 27:3,4
- “Am I not a God near at hand and not a God far off? Can anyone hide out in a corner where I can’t see him?””Am I not present everywhere, whether seen or unseen?”Jeremiah 23:23-24
- Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.” Isaiah 12:12
- God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Hebrews 13:5-6
Reflection:
- War has always been part of the human experience, ever since the very first war of the 9 kings found in Genesis 14. During that conflict, the four kings that defeated the 5 kings carried off all their goods and food, including Abram’s nephew Lot along with his possessions. When Abram heard that Lot had been taken, he formed his own army from 318 men of his own tribe and traveled nearly 200 miles to rescue his nephew.
- Ever since that first war, the questions have been, “Where is God when nations rage against one another and innocent lives are swept up into war?” Does God defend the innocent? What is our part when it seems like the world in falling into destruction?
- In Pslams 27, David declared that he had confidence that God was with him, even when war broke out against him. He knew that if he kept his eyes and desire on the Lord, that He would rescue him in times of trouble.
- The prophet Jeremiah was a war time prophet between Judah, Egypt and Assyria. Even though Jeremiah tried to get out of the way of war, he also declared that God knew the cause of those caught up in conflict when he said – “Am I not a God near at hand and not a God far off? Can anyone hide out in a corner where I can’t see him?”
- The prophet Isaiah was also no stranger to war. Isaiah’s time was forged in the struggle among the empires of Assyria, Babylon and Persia, all who warred for dominance through military campaigns. Yet Isaiah said: Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation.”
- Our God is bigger than big and closer than close, especially to those who now struggle in the nation of Ukraine. Our God is great not just because there is nothing in this world that is too big for Him, He is also great because there is nothing that is too small for Him, especially during times of conflict. My prayer for those who are struggling in Ukraine right now comes from Deuteronomy 31:8 which tells us: The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Prayer: Thank you Lord that even in conflict, you are with us. Your abiding presence and your glorious power and strength will be with those that love you in Ukraine. Thank you that you are bigger than big and closer than close, even during a time of war. Protect those that are helpless and innocent. Be with the people of Ukraine. Remind us to stand in gap through prayer, especially in the days and weeks ahead. Amen.
mBridge Giving Challenge: Solid Rock Mission is a wonderful ministry that ministers to the children of rural Ukraine. Through Solid Rock, we can get funds directly to those most affected by this war in Ukraine. mBridge has set up a $7500 matching fund for those of you that want to help. 100% of your donation will be matched dollar for dollar up to $7500 and go directly to Solid Rock Missions. Go to mbridge.global/donate and click the Solid Rock Button.
Thank you!
David
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