Our God is a mighty God. His works are recorded in His Word, and His works inspire trust in the hearts of His people.
Our world continues to be unstable. Prayer seems the only answer we have to offer. We are not involved in the decision-making. We don’t control the government or our enemies. We are fairly helpless in the face of world problems.
The Psalms, spanning over 1000 years beginning in the time of Moses, can still speak to our hearts today. They are the prayers and songs of ancient Israel, prayed by Jesus and the apostles and they are the songs and prayer of the Christian Church from its beginnings.
The Psalms are a resource for our prayers and our spiritual life. The psalmists cried out to God with joy, sorrow, fear, praise, and thanksgiving. They praised the wonders our God has done.
“How lovely your dwelling, O LORD of hosts. Happy they who dwell in your house! continually they praise you.” Psalm 84: 2, 5
As the people of God, we, too, can cry out to God, sharing our emotions, telling Him our fears, and thanking Him for victories small and large. We can lament the horrors we see in Ukraine and Israel as we proclaim our trust in Him. He is our only source of real peace. He is who understands our hearts and souls.
“Have mercy on me, God, have mercy on me. In you I seek refuge. I will praise you among the peoples Lord, I will chant your praise among the nations.” Psalm 57:2a, 10
More than anything, the psalms proclaim that God is worthy of our trust. Time and again, individuals throughout history put their trust in God and found God faithful to His word. We can do the same, confident he hears us and understands our sadness and fear as we see and hear of the plight of the innocent in war zones around the world.
“The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear? The LORD is my life’s refuge; of whom should I be afraid? Wait for the LORD, take courage; be stouthearted, wait for the LORD! “ Psalm 27:1,14
Blessings and peace,
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN