A Prayer for Ukraine image

A Prayer for Ukraine

0
1
0
This morning I stood by the bedside of our oldest church member, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday. Still sprightly at her birthday party, Dora has suddenly diminished. Diagnosed with leukaemia she is quickly fading away.

By her bedside I read Psalm 46, my go-to scripture in such moments.

God is our refuge and strength,
  a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
  though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
though its waters roar and foam,
  though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
  the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
  God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
  he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us;
  the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord,
  how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
  he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
  he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God.
  I will be exalted among the nations,
  I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us;
  the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

As Grace & I prayed the truth of this Psalm over Dora, proclaiming the blessing and security it contains, my mind was also filled with thoughts of what is happening in Ukraine. The hope we hold for a dying saint is the same hope we hold for the nations. Only God is the true refuge. Only God can bring a final end to war. He will be exalted among the nations. His people, from every tribe and tongue, will inhabit the city of God and know gladness.

Come O God: break the bow and shatter the spear, and welcome your servant into the fortress of your presence.

← Prev article
Next article →