NOVEMBER 2023.
War is a reality that most of us think about regularly these days. Although we do not live in a war torn country, the wars that are raging around leave us with deeply saddened and troubled hearts. For some, there is also a sense of vulnerability and fear at the possibility of wars spreading to our own shores. How do we negotiate times like these?
Well, the Psalms can help us significantly as we reflect on this question. King David was a man of war who fought many battles. More importantly, he was a man of God. Psalm 91 was penned by David, probably at the time when he had already begun to reign as king and yet war still plagued the land. The imagery of finding refuge under God’s wings is a prominent theme in this Psalm: Those who dwell in the shelter of the Most High and abide in the shadow of the Almighty will be kept safe by the One whose ability to protect those who belong to Him far outweighs the capabilities of the Iron Dome or any other kind of human security.
Of course, this Psalm doesn’t mean that we will never face trouble in this life, but it does mean that we are completely secure in the love of God even in troubled times. Reflecting the Lord’s thoughts toward those who belong to Him, Psalm 91:15 says, “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honour him.” In times of trouble and war, what a joy and relief it is to know that the Almighty God is with us and is our saviour. Therefore, though the nations rage (as we often sing), we remember that there is still one King reigning over all, and He loves us more than we can fathom… and so we can trust Him completely, whatever befall.
