How to Be Courageous When You’re Afraid of War

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It seems like there have always been “wars and rumors of war.” Nations have risen up against each other since the earliest moments of history.

One of those wartimes happened while Hezekiah was king of Judah, he “trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel.”

Scripture says the following about Hezekiah…

There was no one like him among all the kings of Judah, either before him or after him. He held fast to the Lord and did not stop following him; he kept the commands the Lord had given Moses. And the Lord was with him; he was successful in whatever he undertook.

2 Kings 18:5–7

When the Assyrians threatened to attack Judah, Hezekiah “tore his clothes and put on burlap and went into the Temple of the Lord.” (2 Kings 19:1)

Hezekiah turned to God and the Lord protected Hezekiah and the people of Judah.

Psalm 76 is a song of praise to God for His power and protection.

God is honored in Judah;
    His name is great in Israel.

He has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy,
    the shields and swords and weapons of war.

You stand up to judge those who do evil, O God,
    and to rescue the oppressed of the earth. 

Psalm 76:1, 3, & 9

We can be frightened by news reports that threaten war and persecution. We can wonder what in the world is happening. We can complain and stress and even try to prepare. But the best thing we can do is pray for the Lord’s protection and prepare our hearts for His return.

The Lord frustrates the plans of the nations
    and thwarts all their schemes.
But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
    His intentions can never be shaken.
What joy for the nation whose God is the Lord,
    whose people He has chosen as His inheritance.

Psalm 33:10–12

By grace, through faith in Christ Jesus . . . You are a child of God. You are chosen and loved. You are a citizen of His Kingdom.

So…

We don’t have to be afraid. We can trust that He is fully in control and that His “plans stand firm forever. We can live with confidence that His intentions can never be shaken.”

Wars and rumors of war will always be with us but God is greater . . . we can trust His plans and promises. We can trust Him.!

Let’s pray…

A Prayer for the Times You’re
Afraid of War

Father, we turn on the news and we’re warned that there are countries at war and countries threatening war. We long for peace and safety for ourselves and our loved ones as threats go on year after year. It’s hard not to be frightened by the possibilities because we know the accounts of what has happened in the past.

Lord, please help us. Please forgive us. We don’t love the way You want us to love. In so many parts of the world, power and control are valued and pursued relentlessly. We ignore Your will and wonder why we can’t experience peace. We need You. We need to surrender ourselves to You. We pray for You to protect us and bless us with peace.

Father, I give myself to You. I trust Your plans for me and for the nations of the world. I believe that You are working toward a glorious future for Your children. Please help me maintain an eternal perspective. Help me focus on Your love and rest secure knowing that You will give me everything I need to trust and obey You each day. Please help me remember that Your plans are sure and secure.

You are greater than the evil in this world. You have already defeated the enemy. You have promised that this world is not our permanent home; so, I will keep my heart and mind focused on You looking forward to my home that is yet to come. A home in Your loving presence. Because I trust You, my Lord and Savior, I can live without fear. (Hebrews 3) Amen.

The disciples asked Jesus…

What sign will signal Your return and the end of the world?

Matthew 24:3

And Jesus replied…

Jesus told them, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah.’ They will deceive many. And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.

Matthew 24:5–6

And for countless generations, we have heard of wars and threats of wars.

But God is in control. He works through people and nations to accomplish His will and prepare us for His return.

So, when we hear news reports of chaos and conflict.

May we turn to God in prayer and trust that He is greater than kingdoms and nations. He is greater than kings, presidents, and dictators. He is greater than weapons and warriors. He is greater than our circumstances.

He is the God who saves. So, don’t be deceived. Trust His promises and ask Him to give you the hope, peace, and joy you desire.

May the Lord bless you and fill you with His perfect peace.

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