What does it mean to keep God’s commandments amid . . . ?

23Oct
I will never forget your commandments, because by them you give me life. I am yours; oh, that you would save me! for I study your commandments. Though the wicked lie in wait for me to destroy me, I will apply my mind to your decrees. I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment has no bounds.
- Psalm 119:93-96

Psalm 119 proclaims: “I see that all things come to an end, but your commandment has no bounds.” These are profound and sobering words. What does it mean to keep God’s commandments amid global conflicts where atrocities seem to know no limits and have no end? Recently I saw an Israeli woman interviewed on the news, and she was asked if the Israelis should respond to the October 7th attacks by Hamas with equal force. Her response moved me so much. She replied that no Israeli wants to kill children and old people, rape women and kill so many innocents, and through her tears she continued, “We just want to be safe.” And so, it seemed to me that even as the wicked of the world lie in wait to destroy others, this woman had put her mind to God’s decrees, trusting that God will help to find safety for her people. I do not know exactly how God will save all the innocent, suffering people of the world, but I can continue to pray that as God’s commandments have no bounds, neither does God’s ability to move the hearts and minds of evil towards a gracious peace. May the words, prayers, and actions of those who believe in all that is good lead the way in helping to make it so. 

Musical Reflection - O for the Wings of a Dove, Mendelssohn. King's Choir Cambridge

Almighty God, kindle, we pray, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with your wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility your dominion may increase until the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now for ever. Amen.
- Collect for Peace BCP
FaithPsalmsPeace
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