Light in the Darkness
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I have been so heavy hearted in recent days at the unfolding events in Ukraine. I imagine many of you feel the same. It is so tragic and unbelievable. There is such a sense of not being able to do anything about it. It feels overwhelming. I have been crying out to God for all those that are being impacted.
In the midst of this, God has been speaking several things to my heart. He has been reminding me that His light shines even if we are unaware of it. It may, it does, feel very dark with all that is happening - but darkness and light are the same to God.
"Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you." Psalm 139:12
"Then Solomon prayed, 'O Lord, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness.' " 1 Kings 8:12
The dark clouds are there, but I need to keep my focus on God. He is in the midst of the dark clouds. He has not disappeared. He is not afraid of the darkness. He is unchanging!! He continues to be my "ever present help in trouble" even in the darkness of what is happening. I need to cling to who He is and not let the darkness overshadow the truth.
I've also felt challenged to have childlike humility and faith. When Jesus was asked "who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" He replied "I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:1,3
Because of disappointments in life, as we grow into adulthood our hope, faith, and belief in the impossible can be diminished. We say something is "impossible." To a child, nothing is impossible. There is a sense of wonder, confidence, and dreaming. "Faith shines brightest in a childlike heart."
As I look at everything that is happening, I need to keep a heart of childlike faith to my prayers - trusting and believing for miracles to happen. I look forward to hearing testimonies of how God has met His dear ones in the midst of the tragedies.
The Lord has also reminded me to cast all my anxieties on Him - otherwise they can become toxic and bring destruction to my heart. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." 1 Peter 5:7,8
I know that I need to pray with an intensity that matches any anxiety I feel. That is where my security and peace will be found. With the hurricane like force of all we are hearing and reading, we need to hold fast to our strong, sure anchor in the Lord.
While these major world events are happening, I still face daily challenges right here in my own life. I know God is mindful of my "little battles" as well. It's been such a comfort to be reminded that He is full of light in the darkness. He hears my heart of childlike faith, and He reaches out to carry every anxiety and burden of my heart. He is so good, so faithful, so present with me.....and He is with the dear ones facing upheaval in Ukraine.
It is wonderful to get reports of how He is answering our prayers for them… these are a few samples of encouraging messages coming from people there:
Sometimes something really unexplainable happens, as if an invisible hand is directing bullets and other missiles away from us, so that they fly past us.
We are getting victories in very difficult situations as if someone is leading us.
We seem to be invisible to the enemy, but we ourselves are able to see in total darkness.
Sometimes rockets disappear in the air without reaching our homes. No one knows where they go.
Enemy tanks run out of fuel; troops get lost and ask our locals for food and directions.
Over and over they are saying thank you, thank you so much for your prayers - and ask that you keep praying. They feel the prayer support.
Of course, there are many tragic, heart breaking stories too. It is such a horrible situation. We must keep praying. There are battles being fought on the ground, but we can do battle in prayer!
Over the years of our unexpected journey, I have shared quotes a number of times from Corrie ten Boom. She herself, of course, went through war and spent time in a Nazi concentration camp. She survived to tell the world about forgiveness, unfaltering faith, and hope in God.
I was thinking about her this week and remembered one of her quotes:
"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest."
This is such a simple but profound outlook. It is indeed distressing to look at the world today. If I get introspective, it's depressing because of my own needs and weaknesses. But, thankfully, we can look at our sure, firm Rock - the Lord Himself - and find rest and peace. I'm so grateful for that! The thing that holds me steady is clinging tightly to the Lord's hand. That truly is where I find my rest.
"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken, nor my covenant of peace be removed." Isaiah 54:10
"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear." Psalm 46:1
"He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings shall you trust and find refuge." Psalm 91:4
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6