Let the Children Sleep

Psalm 91:5 You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.

Children in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon may get some sleep tonight. When war, retribution and terrorism strike communities, it’s the children who suffer most. They can’t understand why the adults are killing one another. All that they hear is the bombing and blasting of missiles. Houses around them are blown apart and the world is a very scary place.

So, perhaps tonight they may get some sleep, but will they dream or just have nightmares? Will they wake up one morning and woefully discover that the adults couldn’t play peace together? Will they retreat inside themselves and become victims of real war crimes – the destruction of their childish dreams, the trading of their health for hellfire, the annihilation of their innocence and the extermination of a real and lasting peace being given to this new generation of Israeli, Lebanese and Palestinian children?

It’s about time the politicians and leaders, UN delegates and ambassadors grew up and practiced the art of peace, not war; otherwise these children will never grow beyond their fears, their suspicions and, sadly, their hatred for one another. As the Good Shepherd Himself said long ago, “Let them alone and let the children come to Me.”

Prayer: Lord Jesus, let those who seek to terrify and make war cease their madness and turn towards peace. Let the children of the Holy Land sleep tonight and let them be able to freely play tomorrow. Let Your Spirit conquer the hearts of the adults, so that they will be ashamed of what they have done. In Your Holy Name, we pray for the children and a lasting peace. Amen.