The Cries of the Afflicted

We’ve all seen by now the pictures coming out of Ukraine of the mass of people, especially women and children, who are currently fleeing the war there.  It’s the latest refugee crisis to hit Europe and our world—a crisis that will affect many people for years to come.  It’s heart-breaking to see the images of people packed into trains, standing for days to get across a border, wondering where they will get their next meal…wondering where they will spend the rest of their life. Thankfully, there are many people from all over the world who have responded to the need by providing meals, shelter, medicine, etc. 

Of course, this is not the first refugee crisis we have seen in recent years. The faces may be different, but the story is the same. A war breaks out, an oppressive government takes control, or a famine hits the land and people sadly and reluctantly move from the place they have called home, probably for all of their life, looking for a place of safety, peace, and provision. No one wants to be a refugee, but whether they are from Syrian, Afghanistan, a war-torn nation in Africa, or now Ukraine, the experience is the same: the packing of a few necessities, a long, often dangerous journey, facing the unknown, and many nights spent in tears. 

And, we can only imagine the questions that run through the minds of such refugees. What will the future hold? Will they ever see their home again? Will they ever see their family again?  Will there be anyone to help them along the way?  Most of all, if there is a God in heaven, does he care?  The only question we an answer for sure is the last one Yes, God does care. God hears the cries of the afflicted. 

The psalmist wrote, But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand… You, LORD, hear the desire of the afflicted;  you encourage them, and you listen to their cry,  defending the fatherless and the oppressed….” (Psalm 10:14, 17-18 – NIV) 

Throughout the Scriptures we read of a God who cares for and is concerned for those who find themselves among the poor, oppressed, and afflicted. His heart leans towards them. His ears hear their cries. And, he has promised that someday, justice will prevail. So I have to believe that right now God hears the cries of those who are escaping a war they did not want—those who suddenly find themselves as refugees; those who now count themselves among the afflicted. 

What can we do? For one, each one of us needs to find a practical way to help alleviate the suffering by donating monies and/or needed supplies or maybe even joining a relief effort. And, we can join them in their cries to God as we pray for them—or better, pray with them—for God to step into their lives and into our world to bring about a miracle of peace, provision, safety, and security. May our voices be lifted up to God with those throughout our world who find themselves among the afflicted, for we know those are the kinds of prayers God hears and answers. 

Finally, if you would like to donate to the relief efforts for the Ukrainian refugees, I recommend doing so through Convoy of Hope. The link is below. 

Have a great day! 

- Pastor Tim Harris 

https://convoyofhope.org/donate/disaster-services/ukraine/