Psalm 42: ⁵ Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my help ⁶ and my God. 

This psalm is attributed to King David who is dealing with an “enemy who oppresses me” (v.9). He describes his soul as “disquieted”. Seems that David is constantly dealing with adversaries of one kind or other – sometimes enemies from outside his kingdom and sometimes from within. In the verse above you can sense a battle happening inside David.

On the one hand he’s anxious because of his enemy. It’s not looking good at the moment for David, but this is not David’s first rodeo. He’s been through a lot, beginning as a boy, and God has never failed to rescue him from danger. So his head says “don’t worry” but his heart is freaking out a bit. It’s this tug-of-war on the inside.

That ever happen to you? Happens to me all the time, but I’m a “feeler” by nature. I tend to initially experience things from the heart, then try to think before responding. I’ve mentioned before in this space my concern for what’s happening in the Ukraine. When I see people suffering like they are, especially the most vulnerable people, I want the US and NATO to get directly involved. Work with NATO to provide a “no fly” zone? Heck yes! Send troops? Absolutely – if that’s what it takes!

But of course, reason suggests that may not be such a great idea. Are we really prepared to go to war, even WW3, over the Ukraine? What about nuclear war if it comes to that? These possibilities change the calculus a bit, right? I’ll tell you, I do not envy those who have to ultimately make such decisions. I hope, like me, you are praying for wisdom for our leaders in what is an awful set of circumstances.

So today, like David, I am feeling the conflicted nature of our world, while also remembering God’s faithfulness. Lord, we trust you to lead us and guide us. Calm our spirits, give us clear thinking, and bestow upon us peace that passes understanding. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.