Psalm 122:6-7 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem! May they be secure who love you. Peace be within your walls and security within your towers!”
I don’t know about you, but recent events in Israel have reminded me of the fragility of life. The onslaught of brutality against innocents has jolted many of us (again) into the reality of evil’s ugly face. It makes me want to hug my grandkids a little tighter. Connect with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Look for tangible ways to spread a little more kindness.
Scripture’s admonition to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” has never felt more poignant.
Yet in the midst of the calamity, I realize how tragedies sharpen our perspective on what really matters in life. Petty grievances tend to dim as appreciation for our good gifts intensifies. Theologian Dallas Willard writes much of what we think important turns out not to be, and what we think to be of no importance often bears great significance before God. Maybe current events are calling us to examine our priorities.
Many believe the tragedy in Israel indicates we’re living in the “last days.” I saw a meme on social media of a woman peering out a window asking, “What day of Revelation is it today?” But no matter whether the earth exists for five, fifty or five-hundred years from now, the war reverberates the truth that anything can happen at any time.
So how do we find security in the midst of such insecurity?
When King David penned Psalm 122, he came from a place of abounding love for the house of God. The world around Israel was hostile, yet David knew true peace, true security, could only be found in God’s presence. He loved Jerusalem and prayed for her peace because God lived there with his people.
God still lives with his people. And Jesus made a way for his presence to extend far beyond the confines of Israel. God dwells not only with his people but within them. All who love him have access to his incomparable peace. It’s a peace no terrorist attack can destroy.
So yes, life is fragile. And we grieve. But we have access to a sovereign God of love whose presence turns the darkest days into something good. Even as we pray for the peace of Jerusalem.