The LORD of hosts: a very present help in trouble
Hello sweet friend,
As I keep an eye on the news and the invasion of Ukraine, I'm reminded of my time in Eastern Europe.
I've had the privilege of going on short-term mission trips to both Russia and Romania in the past. I can honestly say that both countries are filled with lovely people who have suffered at the hands of the powerful. However, those same folks, young and old, still desire to see God work.
At the time I was in Russia, a new Chris Tomlin song came out. It was very popular in Kyiv, and I first learned it in Russian. It was only when I returned to the states that I learned the English version of "Sing, Sing, Sing." Some of the lyrics are printed below.
Sing, sing, sing
And make music with the heavens
We will sing, sing, sing
Grateful that You hear us
When we shout Your praise
Lift high the name of Jesus
What's not to love about You?
Heaven and Earth adore You
Kings and kingdoms bow down
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One
You are the love that frees us
You are the light that leads us like a fire burning
Son of God, You are the One
You are the One we're living for...
Aren't these great promises to remember? The joy expressed in these words were reminiscent of the hearts of the people ready to share the gospel message in Russia. Music has the power to uplift my mind and heart, so it's good for me to remember God's promises and sing His praises!
When I first read the headline of the invasion in Ukraine, Psalm 46 came to mind. I've seen it over and over again online, so I believe the Holy Spirit is encouraging His people to trust and believe the promise of the Word.
Psalm 46 (ESV)
God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy habitation of the Most High.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved; God will help her when morning dawns.
The nations rage, the kingdoms totter; he utters his voice, the earth melts.
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
Come, behold the works of the Lord, how he has brought desolations on the earth.
He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire.
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah
So many people love verse 10 that says, "Be still and know that I am God." But take a look at where that is placed in the psalm. In the midst of chaos and destruction, the Father commands us to be still and to know that He is God. Sometimes, the big things seem so far out of control. In the same way, the little things can seem out of control and cause us to feel as though our lives are chaotic.
In either situation, God is and always will be in control. He is the Lord of hosts. He is our fortress. He can make wars cease. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
I want to leave you with one more encouraging thought. Jesus loves both the Ukrainians and Russians. "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (ESV)
Please pray for peace and salvation for the folks on both sides of this conflict. Please pray for God to be exalted among the nations.
I always love to hear from you, so please feel free to reach out and share any prayer requests with me. If you have the time, I'd love for you to be encouraged and uplifted by this song from Shane and Shane, based on Psalm 46 called, "Lord of Hosts."
https://youtu.be/2emelR7lGmw?si=t9dfJVPaaGEcmwz9
In Him ,
~ Stephanie
StephanieMBullock.com