The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Proverbs 21:1
This scripture came to mind this week as I was praying about the war in Ukraine. I read the verse in several versions of the Bible and looked at footnotes and commentaries for further explanation. I came across a sidebar in the margin by Dr. David Jeremiah in the New King James Study Bible that helped me understand:
“Government was never meant to reflect a Christian’s total value system—it can never do that in a pluralistic society. Still, we can become discouraged when we see our leaders pursuing policies that are contrary to God’s values.
What we must remember is that something else is going on behind the scenes. This is a theme of Proverbs 8:15, 16: “By Me kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By Me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth.” But 21:1 is the verse that we probably know best: The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
God turns the heart of leaders like a farmer directs water down an irrigation ditch. World events and the decisions made by the most powerful men and women in the world do not happen apart from God’s sovereignty. He is not blind to what is going on. Neither is He surprised by anything that occurs.
Knowing that God is in control and His will cannot be thwarted, we can pray for our leaders with wisdom and hope – even when we don’t agree with their policies.”
Dr. David Jeremiah’s words are a strong reminder of God’s sovereignty over all world events. He knows what is happening. He has a purpose for what He allows. I pray for our Ukrainian brothers and sisters in Christ to be strengthened in their faith, to be trusting God completely, and to be God’s light in the devastation and darkness of the war surrounding them. May many people turn their hearts to God for salvation.
I’m encouraged by these Scriptures which offer hope and God’s promise of His presence:
Psalm 16:8 I have set the Lord before me continually. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Isaiah 41:10 Do not fear for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
We are not experiencing war in our country, but many are suffering! If you are experiencing fear, ill health, uncertainty, possible loss of home, job, financial security, … will you cry out to the Lord and trust His promises? He hears you and promises to be with you.
How can you encourage someone else who may be suffering? We can ask God to give us words of encouragement from His Word.