Faith and Hope in the Time of War: Observations from the Psalms

Psalm 10:12–18

In recent days we have witnessed scenes of missile and drone attacks across the Middle East. The United States and Israel have struck at the heart of the Islamic regime in Iran. At the same time, reports from within Iran tell of tens of thousands—perhaps as many as 50,000 people—killed while participating in protests.

Leading up to the strikes in Iran, the media reported ongoing negotiations between the United States, Israel, and Iran in an attempt to reach a settlement to the conflict. As believing Christians, it is difficult to grasp the magnitude of such suffering and strife.

Recently, a Christian family—the husband a Westerner and the wife Iranian—posted a Facebook video expressing both their sorrow and their hope for the country of Iran. The couple voiced their feelings by referring to an imprecatory Psalm (10:12–18), where the question is raised: “How long will the suffering continue?” In their case the question was even more personal: “How long will the suffering continue for the Iranian people, especially the Christians?”

In moments like these, believers naturally turn to the Scriptures to understand how God’s people should respond in times of violence and uncertainty.

The Psalms offer profound comfort and strength during times of war. They provide a spiritual framework for navigating fear and conflict. Again and again the emphasis falls on trusting God as our protector and refuge (Ps. 91; 46) and finding strength to endure trials (Ps. 144:10). At the same time, the psalmists cry out for justice and deliverance from their enemies (Ps. 35; 59). The Lord is not offended when His children cry out with questions about when justice will come and when the violence will cease.

This theme runs throughout the Psalms. God’s people repeatedly cry out for the Lord to rise up and act against evil. In Psalm 94:1–2 the psalmist calls, “O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs… lift up thyself, thou judge of the earth.” Likewise, Psalm 13 begins with the anguished question, “How long, O LORD? Wilt thou forget me forever?” These prayers remind us that lament and longing for justice are not signs of weak faith, but expressions of trust that the righteous Judge of all the earth will ultimately do right. Psalm 10:12–18 gives us a helpful outline of how our hearts may be strengthened in times of chaos.

A Cry for Heavenly Intervention

First, the psalmist calls out for heavenly intervention. In verses 12 and 13 he asks the LORD to arise and exercise His sovereignty over both the wicked and the righteous. In verse 13 he exposes the arrogance of the wicked, who believe they will never be called to account.

At times, it may appear that God is distant from the suffering of the world—while the wicked prosper and the cries of the poor seem unheard. Yet the psalmist reminds us that divine intervention will come. Justice will be carried out in God’s timing and according to His purposes. From the heart of the psalmist rises a battle cry for God to arise and come to the rescue.

God Sees and Will Judge

Second, in verses 14–16 the writer gives us assurance of divine surveillance

and judgment. God is fully aware of everything that is happening in our world.

We must continually remind ourselves that the day will come when God will heal every hurt and set right every wrong. As believers we affirm that God is omniscient, yet many times we live as though He does not see our suffering or the chaos of the world.

Proverbs 15:3 states, “The eyes of the LORD are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.”

Hebrews 4:12–13 tells us that God “is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

Job 34:20–21 adds, “For his eyes are upon the ways of man, and he sees all his goings. There is no darkness, nor shadow of death, where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves.”

Because of this, we can pray with confidence that God will bring justice to the events of our day—even if that justice does not appear in our timing. Verse 15 depicts the wrath of God against unrighteousness and ungodliness, portraying God as breaking the arm of the wicked and bringing their deeds to account. Verse 16 then triumphantly proclaims that the LORD is the eternal King who will reign over all nations.

God’s Promise of Deliverance

Finally, the psalmist gives a promise of deliverance in verses 17 and 18.

Here God is portrayed not only as the One who sees the plight of His people, but also as the One who hears their cry. He hears their desires and will bring justice to the fatherless and the oppressed. The psalm closes with the promise that one day these wicked evildoers will no longer “strike terror.”

We can be assured that not one of God’s promises will fail. Our Deliverer will return and establish perfect justice. Until that day, the church must remain a people of proclamation—faithfully declaring the gospel while serving those who suffer, especially the household of faith. Like the psalmist, we move from anguish to confidence, calling upon God to act against the wicked.

And so we pray:

• for just leaders,

• for the protection of God’s people,

• and for the return of our King and Judge of all.