Psalm 37: ¹ Do not fret because of the wicked; do not be envious of wrongdoers, for they will soon fade like the grass, and wither like the green herb.

This morning Ukranian President Zelenskyy addressed the United States Congress and President Biden via videoconference. It was a stirring speech, reminding us that the Russian invasion of the Ukraine is not simply about the sovereignty of a country far, far away from us, but a battle for the the very fabric of democratic freedom upon which our own liberty rests. I was literally moved to tears listening to this brave leader of a brave people.

It’s heart-breaking to watch what’s happening in the Ukraine, yet I can’t seem to turn away from it. It’s too important. And it makes me angry that Russian President Putin has unleashed this barbaric violence on a neighboring country and that we in the US appear paralyzed by our fear of engaging a nuclear power. Yes economic sanctions are meaningful. Sending arms to the Ukraine is a positive step as well. But I fear Putin interprets our hesitation to go further, like helping to establish a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as weakness – thus encouraging him to be even more aggressive.

Anyway, when I read the verse above this morning I had to admit that I am fretting because of the wicked. Lord bring the violent invaders to justice and peace to our world. Amen.