As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:16-17.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:1-3.

I confess I struggled with this psalm, Psalm 129. How many people, throughout all the ages of mankind, pray to Creator God – Father, Son, Spirit, for deliverance from oppression, for shame to come to enemies, for victory to be theirs? The final verse of this psalm…May those who pass by not say to them, “The blessing of the Lord be on you; we bless you in the name of the Lord.” v. 8. The children of Israel had been oppressed and enslaved throughout their history. So have many others then and many now. And what does the Son tell us? You have heard that it was said, “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven…be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-45, 48.

Why does God want us to pray for our enemies? Because prayer for them brings us closer to them in love and closer to our God who loves. God asks us throughout all of Scripture to trust Him. I think it helps to realize His Will is being done now. It takes care and time and patience to change hearts hardened by hate and disdain for others. It takes wisdom. We may not understand all that is happening in this world of ours but we must never forget every problem is a problem of sin in our own hearts. Sin that needs to be weeded out from you and from me and from every person dearly loved by God. We can grow in the love of our God but we can’t do it without Him helping us. Only His love brings the healing we desperately need. When you realize how much hate is in your own heart and long for something better…turn to our God and trust Him to lead you to that better way with Him. He’s here. Always. He will bring hope and His peace settling deep within you. It’s a powerful and wonderful feeling – knowing you can trust God.