Israel is at war in retaliation for atrocities committed by Hamas this past weekend. As news reports and horrifying eyewitness accounts have arrived  these past several days, the world is watching…listening…wondering how this will all end. 

This morning I wasn’t awake long before my thoughts turned to Israel and the terrifying events that are occurring, affecting both military and civilians, old and young…even babies! I’m heartsick, knowing that the deeply felt emotions of my heart can’t begin to compare with the horror-struck panic, grief and hopelessness that mothers, fathers, grandparents, and children are dealing with even while having to remain determinedly vigilant.

And so, as I always do when I’m overwhelmed, I went to the Lord. Soon I found myself singing a song I used to listen to 2-3 times a day— Lincoln Brewster singing “Everlasting God”. You may be familiar with it. If not, here’s a link. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJ8zXzZp4Jk

God used the song as a springboard to plunge me into His truths. First, God is still the same God who made a covenant with Abraham. An eternal, ongoing, never ending, everlasting (I’m hoping this synonym frenzy is driving it home for you like it is for me ) covenant that would remain generation after generation. That covenant is still in place!

God said, “No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you. I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you. Genesis 17:5-7 

The everlasting God made an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants. God has not turned His back on His beloved Israel.

Second, Israel’s covenant-keeping God has promised to give help to those who are in the midst of this terrible chaos. 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:28-29

As I went to pray, God reminded me of yet another truth. He is Israel’s keeper! 

Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. Psalm 121:4

Heavenly Father, truly You are the only Everlasting God. Thank You for being always faithful to keep covenant with Your people. Lord, we are helpless to comfort, rescue, or deliver, but You aren’t! We ask for divine protection for the land and people of Israel. Use this situation to turn the hearts of Your treasured people back to You. Remind them of miracles You brought about for Israel, both in ancient times and in recent history. Lead them to cry out to You, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, to once again be their protector, and may they see miraculous deliverance! But also, Lord, we ask that You would reveal Yourself as Messiah, Lamb of God and Savior of the world to Jews, Muslims, and atheists alike during these dark days. Hear the most feeble of cries for divine protection, and show Yourself strong on their behalf. Thank You for dispatching hosts of Your angels to minister direction and protection to countless numbers of fearful ones. Father, use what the enemy has meant for evil to bring glory to Your name in so many ways that one day we will hear and marvel. For now, we worship You as we declare that You are the Everlasting, ever faithful Keeper of Israel. Amen!