When World War I ended and the official armistice announcement was made, cities simply went wild with joy. Church bells rang out, impromptu parades formed, and people danced in the streets. There were tears and much laughter, all mingled together.
It is estimated that over 16 million people died in WWI. The war had claimed far too many lives, changing the landscape of many nations and families. The promise of a time of peace felt like nothing short of a miracle.
There was still grief, and the need to rebuild and restore what had been broken, but with the end of the war new things were possible. People could dream again.
This is what God’s people felt, too, after they were able to return home after a time of war and exile. Many had given up hope that this might ever be possible, but instead, the psalmist sings out, nothing is impossible with God.
Loving God, our world is still filled with violence, war and displaced peoples. We pray for swords to be turned into ploughshares so the dream of peace may be realized, and joy can come to all. Amen. —