Psalm 37:28
For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake his faithful ones. Wrongdoers will be completely destroyed; the offspring of the wicked will perish.
It was a very sad and shocking day when we learned of the news that Russia had invaded the country of Ukraine. The attack was unprovoked. Russia had first said that the 100,000 Russian troops who were stationed at Ukraine’s border, weren’t going to attack the country, instead they were just doing training exercises; but still they attacked. What was worse, were the reports of the 40-mile-long military convoy of tanks approaching the Ukrainian capital. The Ukrainians were determined to fight to the last man to stop them, but on paper, the odds were very much against them. However, the Ukrainians have this in their favour, they have justice on their side.
We read today that the Lord “will not forsake his faithful ones.” As I write this, the story isn’t over in what has become a war. With threats from Russia of nuclear action to any outside countries who come to Ukraine’s aid, the situation is desperate. Yet what we thought would be certain doom for the Ukraine capital city, has not happened. The Ukrainian army, assisted by many volunteers are putting up a surprising fight against this military superpower. The 40-mile Russian convoy never made it through. Many of its armoured vehicles have been destroyed, with others turning back the way they came. Today the battle still rages. The Russians have caused much destruction to the country and its people. The Ukrainian church is praying. We are all praying as we hear the heart-breaking stories of families separated, innocents killed and atrocities too horrible to mention taking place.
You know, before the victory, when the challenge is at its worst, there is the temptation to turn away from hoping in the Lord. It was like this for the Hebrews, when they were being mistreated in Egypt. Moses was a baby when the Egyptians began to harm the Hebrews. As a man, Moses returned after many years and the Lord used him to set the Hebrew slaves free. David, the writer of this Psalm encountered many wars and battles. He suffered defeat and loss and challenging times, as well as being victorious over his enemies. Yet his words from the Lord are that God does not leave his people. Sometimes there is a time of extreme hardship to endure, before the promises of God are fulfilled with justice being done.
When stuff like this happens, a big question which we can ask is “Does God not care about the unjust way bullies carry on?” We’re told here that God won’t abandon those badly treated, because he loves justice. He actually hates evil done to others. It makes him so angry!! We know that this world is messed up because of selfishness, greed and hate. If we were to trace back the actions of the Russian President Vladimir Putin and detect the thought process which led to his act of war, we would see selfishness at the heart of it all. The good news is that God favours the just, because justice is in His nature. God acts on behalf of the innocent and the weak. Do you have a just cause that you need help with? Trust Him, because His favour is with you. As you live out this trust by faithfully staying connected with Jesus, taking in His words and believing His promises, He will be with you in the difficulty. You will actually be partnering with God against those wrongfully treating you. The Lord is working out a bright future for you.
If you were inspired by this blog, Paul has written a whole book that goes through the text of Psalm 37. Originally written for young people, these are enjoyed by young and old alike. Each devotion is about a 4 minute read, and is followed by a journalling page or specially designed prayer space to enable the reader further connect with God. Paul studied at Moorlands College for his BA in Applied Theology, and more recently has earned an MA in The Bible and Ministry in the Contemporary world at Belfast Bible College. Paul has served as a Youth Pastor for over 20 years.
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