Remain Close Through Him
WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ
Deployment Series
“Nations rise and fall, and God often is said to have a hand in the war itself as a means of judgement or liberation…”
“You in your great mercies did not forsake them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud to lead them in the way did not depart from them by day, nor the pillar of fire by night to light for them the way by which they should go. You gave your good Spirit to instruct them and did not withhold your manna from their mouth and gave them water for their thirst. Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.”
Explanation:
The books of Nehemiah and Ezra focus on the themes of regathering, restoration, and recommitment. Despite Israel’s constant rebellion against God, God is still gracious to deliver them and uphold his promises. In this section of Nehemiah, the prophet speaks of the numerous examples of God’s faithfulness to Israel in times of distress. Even when things seemed to be hopeless, God upheld their ancestors in the wilderness. He instructed, fed, and nourished them despite their unfaithfulness and duplicities. Thus, the one who calls upon the name of the Lord will be upheld by his good spirit, regardless of his own sins.
Connection:
Military families are asked to bear a burden that most of us can only imagine. In addition to the stresses and dangers that come along with military deployment, the toll that the distance and inherent dangers of warfare takes on marriages and family relationships is exceptional. Military members often only have limited connection with loved ones, creating a substantial amount of fear and anxiety for those who are back at home. What's more, those in the military are often wrestling with spiritual issues, issues about the nature of war, and the prospect of following orders that may result in the taking of another's life - even the possibility of innocent life lost.
In the Old Testament, especially, warfare is a common occurrence. Nations rise and fall, and God often is said to have a hand in the war itself as a means of judgement or liberation. With this being the case, the words of the patriarchs and prophets often contain laments, prayers, and narratives that are directed towards those who are tasked with being a soldier. What's clear from these narratives is that God is near to the person who is in battle. Just as God sustained those in the Sinai wilderness, so also will he spiritually sustain those who are in battle. To be sure, the realities of war are hell. There is no way to play-down the very real destruction that sin has caused in our world. However, the Christian soldier has Jesus, and if one has Jesus, they have everything. This can serve to bring hope and comfort to families who are enduring the burden that service requires, hope that can sustain marriages and families and give them the grace to endure what has been asked of them.
Action:
1. Put Down a Spiritual Anchor -
Wartime truly tests the resolve of every person who is enduring. In times like these, it is important to remain grounded in the Lord. The Lord has promised his presence, even in spite of the fearful things war entails. As the scripture says, "When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt" (Deut. 20:1).
2. Embrace Technology -
Maintaining relationships during deployment is very difficult. It cuts people off from their sense of their own security and the security of the people they love, not to mention unspeakable longing to return to one's family. Fortunately, there is now technology that makes frequent communication possible. Make it a point to take advantage of these technologies to ease the anxiety and help build up your relationships.
3. Pray With and For One Another -
When we are spiritually tested, prayer is extremely important. Set aside time each day to spend with God in prayer. If possible, seek out other believers with whom you can pray, for God teaches us to "pray at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:18-19).