“The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.  The sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night.”  Psalm 121:5-6

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  Philemon 3

Daily we see images of ongoing war, destruction and suffering.  August, 80 years ago, Japan surrendered.  The war, that war, was over.  There are many photographs taken that day of crowded streets and celebrations, including Alfred Eisenstaedt’s famous photo of a sailor kissing a woman, a stranger in Times Square.  I imagine the many celebrations, champagne, anxiously awaited homecomings, long embraces.  I imagine the many who would not experience joyous homecomings, but grief.  I imagine time spent in prayer with thanksgiving; and for many, for strength to move forward. There are also photographs of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, destruction and suffering.  In an article this past Sunday the writer asked two people, neighbors living across the street from each other, what they were willing to give up for peace.  One replied nothing – Ukraine, all of it, must remain Ukraine.  The other was yielding – let go, just stop and let us work and live. 

Absence of war may not mean peace for those left with grief and loneliness, physical and emotional injuries, despair in the rubble.  Even as we pray for peace, we know wars will go on as long as old hostilities and vengeance, power and greed go on.

We need a Savior to keep us in god’s grace and peace through times of trial, to help us live peaceably with our families and neighbors, to wish no ill will toward others, and to extend our hand with mercy and kindness.

Dear God, Your goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives.  When we feel vulnerable and afraid, help us find peace and security in your steadfast love for us.  Amen

Verla Olson

 

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