In a time of war, the Lord is still the stronghold of our lives.

Once again, our newspapers are filled with ‘wars and rumours of wars’, and if you are anything like me, you too might be feeling the strain of a new crisis, right on the heels of the last crisis! As believers, how should we respond when all around us is bad news, when our newspapers declare ‘the end is nigh’, or when, once again, we are surrounded by fear and anxiety. Well, I always go back to the ‘divine instruction manual’ – God’s Word – for that is where we’ll find comfort and strength. God’s Word is the only anchor in desperate times, and it is the one thing that we can ALWAYS rely on. God’s Word never changes, and it contains all we need for hope, comfort, healing, wisdom, and guidance.

Jesus told us in Matthew 24:6 that we will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but we should not be alarmed, for the end is not yet.

But also in Psalm 27, we are reminded that when darkness is all around us, ‘the Lord is MY light and MY salvation. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life, of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will NOT fear, though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.’

And as we stand on the truth of God’s Word, how can we pray?  

 First let’s unite our prayers for the…

• Safety and protection for those seeking shelter in Ukraine.
• Provision for those fleeing.
• Guidance, direction, and divine opportunities for church leaders and Christians in Ukraine.
• Wisdom for the Ukrainian government and global leaders.
• Peace and resolution quickly.

But also, let’s pray for Russia, for…

• All those who are feeling anxious and afraid.
• The many churches across Russia.
• Russia’s leaders, for hearts to be turned back to God.

And here in the UK, let’s pray for unity not division, for peace not fear, and for heavenly wisdom.

Today, if you are fearful, grieving, or broken, let the truth of God’s Word sink into your heart, and be reminded that He is our source of light, He is our healer, He is our restorer, and He is the one who brings peace even in the middle of fear, panic, and uncertainty.

However you are feeling today, remember that God is STILL God. Nothing takes Him by surprise, and our hearts and prayers today are with everyone who is broken, lost, and feels as though their lives have been shattered. The cry of our hearts must be ‘Lord God, heal our world!’