“Then Solomon prayed, ‘O Lord, you have said that you would live in a thick cloud of darkness.'” 1 Kings 8:12
Darkness
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).
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. We can continue to lift them to the Lord!
Father, we bring brothers and sisters in war-torn areas before Your great and mighty throne. Restore peace to them. Protect them. Show us how we can help, and remind us to pray for them. Amen.