"The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble." -Psalm 9:9

For the last week and a half, my heart has felt so incredibly heavy for the innocent Christians in Afghanistan. I haven't quite known how to process the tragic brutality I've read about beyond simply crying and praying.

But God has continued to remind me of his divine protection and the fact that he hears our lifted up hearts and prayers.

This morning as I was reading Psalms, I was reminded, yet again, of the Lord's goodness and provision over persecuted Christians.

"You will bring justice to the orphans and the oppressed, so merely people can no longer terrify them." -Psalm 10:18

King Jesus, you are greater than mere men.  Please cover all the orphans and the oppressed people of Afghanistan with your divine provision according to your will.

"I trust in the Lord for protection.  So why do you say to me, "Fly like a bird to the mountains for safety!" -Psalm 11:1

After hearing about God's people fleeing to the mountains for protection, I've prayed that they would make it to the mountains and find protection within them.  However, this verse redirected my thinking: Our only real protection is from our sovereign Lord, no matter where we are. 

"The Lord's promises are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified seven times over.  Therefore, Lord, we know you will protect the oppressed, preserving them forever from this lying generation." -Psalm 12:6-7

We can always and forever hold onto the promise of God's love and faithfulness to his people.  Whether in an earthly death to enter into eternity, or in a divine survival for the purpose of sharing a testimony, we can hold onto God's promises for our comfort, knowing they are absolutely pure. 

"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I know the Lord is always with me.  I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.  No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice.  My body rests in safety." -Psalm 16:7-9

What perfect peace and intimacy God's people in Afghanistan must be feeling right now—knowing Jesus is right with them and speaking his words of deep love over them during this time.  Let us continue to pray that they all feel this intimacy at this time.

"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." -Psalm 16:11

Though life on this earth is fleeting, we can hold to the encouraging Truth that life with Jesus means the opportunity for ceaseless joy in the mere presence of our Savior (no matter the circumstances) and the promise of life everlasting in perfect love. 

Please continue to pray and read scripture over our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan who are being persecuted, brutally tortured and killed for the sake of their incredible faithfulness to Jesus. 

Thank you, Lord, that you are sovereign over all.  Thank you for never leaving or forsaking your people.  Thank you for bringing justice into the world through your sacrificial love on the cross.