Lenten Reader | Day 15

We live in a turbulent world. China has increased its military budget at an alarming rate raising red flags for the U.S. and China’s neighbors. The US and Europe are sending multiple high-tech weapons and tanks to the Ukraine to help protect and defend Ukrainian land from Russian invasion. Iran is actively amassing material for a nuclear weapon which is perturbing news to the international community.

In the Old Testament, the Philistines, Assyrians, and Babylonians were all a thorn in the side of ancient Israel. These empires often far outnumbered the Israelites and had domineering weaponry. It is easy to see why the Israelites became dismayed with their circumstances, and it is easy for us to lose heart when we compare our own weaknesses and failings to those around us who appear to have enormous strength and wealth.

There have been times when I have become very discouraged at what I thought were impossible situations. I would look to my own “weaponry” only to get in a funk over my lack of assets and power. It is foolish and vain to think that within us or within our bag of resources lies the answer to our problems. The psalmist lets us know that God doesn’t grant favor to one army over another because of their military might or superior technology. “But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love”. God’s eyes are on those who fear him, and our “fear” is the awareness of our absolute dependence on him. God’s eyes are on those who hope and trust in his unfailing love.

What comfort it is to know that our loving God sovereignly rules, and the success of our endeavors doesn’t depend upon anything we can conjure up, but rather on how we obey the Spirit of Almighty God.

Larry Schmitt