News reports in Israel, both in the print and television media, are constantly filled with news on the Iranian nuclear threat and with speculation on whether or not Israel will carry out a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities.  In addition to discussing the threat and debating the best course of action to counter Iran, concern and worry abound over the consequences, such as a regional war or Iran acquiring a nuclear weapon, which would come about as a result of Israeli action or inaction.  Adding to these concerns are the mysterious explosions that have occurred at Iranian military sites this month and the launch of 4 Katyusha rockets from Lebanon that struck northern Israel for the first time since 2009.  In times of uncertainty such as these, and with an awareness that war is likely to come at some point, we must remember and remind others that our ultimate hope, strength and security is to be found in God and the Messiah of Israel, Yeshua.  Furthermore, we must not lose hope in the face of adversity and trial, because we know that God is with us and protects us.
           When Yeshua spoke to his disciples about the end of days and the signs that the Son of Man would return, he told them that there would be wars and rumors of wars.  Since that time many wars have ravaged the earth and rumors have abounded.  Yet Yeshua also told his disciples not to lose heart!  If we turn to the scriptures, particularly to the words of King David in the book of Psalms, we find encouraging words that speak of God’s presence among and in defense of the people of Israel.  In Psalm 46, King David writes:

“God is our refuge and strength, an ever present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear…Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts His voice, the earth melts. The LORD Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.” -Psalm 46:1,6-7

          In Psalm 91, David writes these words of encouragement, which can also be found in the Siddur, the prayer book that we, as Jews, use daily during our prayer services:

“Whoever sits in the refuge of the Most High, he shall dwell in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of HASHEM, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, I will trust in Him." For He will deliver you from the ensnaring trap, from devastating pestilence. With His pinion He will cover you, and beneath His wings you will be protected; shield and armor is His truth. You shall not fear the terror of night; nor the arrow that flies by day; nor the pestilence that walks in gloom; nor the destroyer who lays waste at noon. Let a thousand encamp at your side and myriad at your right hand, but to you they shall not approach. You will merely peer with your eyes and you will see retribution of the wicked. Because [you said,] "You, HASHEM, are my refuge," you have made the Most High your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent” 

In times of uncertainty such as these, we must remember these words of scripture and others like them.  We must not forget that the God of Israel is our Rock and Fortress.  He alone is the defender and protector of Israel and He will do again as He has done in the past.  He will protect His people and never let them be utterly destroyed.  Please join us in praying for the protection of Israel.  Pray that Israelis would turn to God and to his Messiah, Yeshua, in the time of trouble.  Pray that they would be encouraged and comforted by the knowledge that God is with the People of Israel always.  

“…indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Psalm 121:4