Troubling Reign/Rain

Over the last week we have seen our news sources cover a flood crisis in Australia and a war in Eastern Europe.

Just as we celebrated the removal of pandemic restrictions, we now watched our world become battered by battles and floodwaters.

This week our Archbishop wrote to our churches, as he reflected on these twin challenges to our world.

Reflecting on the invasion of the Ukraine, he reminded us of the words of Psalm 10:

“Arise, Lord! Lift up your hand O God. Do not forget the helpless. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless. You, Lord hear the desire of the afflicted, you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed, so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”

Similarly, as he considered the destructive floods, he shared these words from the Lord to his scattered people in Isaiah:

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.’ (Is 41:10)”

There is much for which we should be concerned, but this should naturally lead us to pray for the people of Russia who live under the oppression of an aggressive and unaccountable ruler, as well, of course, for the people of the Ukraine who face the the constant fear for their lives from the unfolding war.

We should pray, too, for those whose lives and livelihoods are in disarray from the flood waters, as they seek to rebuild their homes and businesses, and for some, to mourn the loss of life.

Let us remember the words of the apostle Peter who wrote, “Cast all your anxiety on God for he cares for you”, and the words of our Lord himself, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

JODIE McNEILL

(Image credit: Sandra Strait via Flickr.com)