We sent our soldier to war on New Year’s Day. It was a small and quiet ceremony, but it was genuine, heartfelt and all too painful. Tears of sadness cried out to God for mercy, guidance and safety. It was our turn once again and our honor to send one of our own into service for our country.
The need for peace in the Middle East became a reality on the family farm as relatives and friends gathered around our warrior. We laid hands on him and prayed for God’s protection and that angels would provide a hedge of defense around his every step.
This wasn’t just any soldier. This was our brother, our uncle, our cousin, our son and our friend. This was one of us. We are forever grateful for the sacrifices made by every person in the military. Because of them, we live without fear here at home. Because of them, we go about our everyday lives as if the war was a matter of history. But on this day, in our house, in our own way, we were reminded the war is real and life threatening.
We had seen the graphic images from road-side bombs. The stories of homicide bombers killing innocent bystanders were again in the news as we offered our prayers of faith among the peace and tranquility of our little haven on the open prairie.
The horrors of war have haunted mankind from the beginning. Perhaps no one captured the terrors of war better than King David. As we peer into his heart throughout the Psalms, his thoughts and prayers become our own as we reflect on these troubled times of war.
“I’m tired of living among people who hate peace. I search for peace; but when I speak of peace, they want war!” Psalm 120:6-7 (NLT)
How our hearts ache to see an end to the unrest. The death toll rises, and the anger continues to rage as ancestors fight ancestors in so called “holy wars,” Since the time of Abraham, the dissension has continued to escalate. Brutal hand-to-hand combat is no less deadly as spears and swords have become grenade launchers, and AK-47 machine guns. What is the use? Will the insanity ever end?
For centuries, prayers have been offered for peace. There have been periods of peace. The bombs and bullets have ceased if only momentarily. But once again the trigger is cocked, the pin is pulled and the button is pushed. Man is once again at war.
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head.” Psalm 133:1-2 (NLT)
How our hearts ache for peace and harmony. Some day, that day will come. Some day the Lord Himself will bring peace throughout Earth. Until that day, we pray for soldiers and send them off into battle in hopes they will somehow make a difference and someday return to us among the peace and tranquility of our little haven on the open prairie. God’s speed we pray, God’s speed.
