Afghanistan
It’s been disturbing to see what has been happening in Afghanistan recently. Images of the Taliban (with guns on display) taking control major cities, and distressed people trying to evacuate have dominated the headlines.
I have that same feeling, as I often do, when confronted by tragedy or disaster from other parts of the world - I feel so helpless.
There is a small verse in the Bible that does help me. It comes in an Old Testament story in Israel when King Jehoshaphat was under attack from neighbouring enemies.
The King was quite overwhelmed and cried out to God and ended his prayer saying...
“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you.”
In other words, Jehoshaphat turned to God, asking for His help and intervention. If you read on in the story you see that God came to their rescue!
I find this helpful, as when I am helpless and don’t know what to do, I fix my eyes on God. That means focusing/meditating on Him and allowing God to speak into the situation.
Prayer (talking and listening to God) is an important aspect. In prayer I can pour out my frustrations, anxieties, fears, woes, and cries for help – in fact anything and everything!
In this current Afgan situation I think there are some practical things that can be done, here are a few suggestions:
Pray – for peace, protection, comfort and wisdom
Give money – there are good charities helping people on the ground (If you are not sure, I can suggest Tearfund www.tearfund.org)
Be informed – do some research into what is going on
Be ready – the UK will be receiving refugees, so consider what help you could offer
God bless
Gary Bastin - Hope Community Church leader