Throughout Africa, from Sierra Leone to Uganda, rebel leaders have abducted hundreds of thousands of innocent boys and girls and converted them into soldiers. Forced to commit unspeakable crimes and murderous acts, often against their own relatives, these child soldiers are seldom able to forgive themselves or to reenter society after the rare event of being freed from their conscripted service.
However, when the miraculous takes place—when a child is able to forgive himself and experience forgiveness through the grace of God—there is reason to rejoice!
I recently watched 100 former child soldiers sing and praise God for rescuing them from the hands of their oppressors. Their rejoicing centered around Psalm 13:4-6, which says, “Don’t let my enemies gloat, saying, ‘We have defeated him!’ Don’t let them rejoice at my downfall. But I trust in Your unfailing love. I will rejoice because You have rescued me. I will sing to the Lord because He is good to me.”
While in the hands of their captors, the children had prayed, “O God, declare them guilty. Let them be caught in their own traps. Drive them away because of their many sins, for they have rebelled against You” (Psalm 5:10).
Though much time elapsed between their prayers and their deliverance, the children were ultimately able to reflect the continuation of that psalm, which says, “But let all who take refuge in You rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread Your protection over them, that all who love Your name may be filled with joy. For You bless the godly, O Lord; You surround them with Your shield of love” (Psalm 5:11-12).
What a beautiful example of redemption and restoration is displayed when children, once trapped in a wretched existence, rejoice because of what the Lord has done for them.
More:
• 1 Samuel 2:1-3
• Psalm 13:4-6
• Psalm 35:8-10
Next:
What can you do to help the child soldiers of the world? How does the redemption of those once held in physical captivity inspire you to seek freedom for those trapped in spiritual chains?
fabi on September 1, 2009 at 12:05 am
Thank YOU LORD for delivering your boys and girls from evil. Thank You for they rejoice in You. Thank You for your soldiers for they are your angels in all those children’s lives. Their much needed relief and freedom come from You only. Praises to Your Name. In Jesus I pray and thank You, amen.
kenkias on September 24, 2009 at 10:01 am
Bless the name of the Lord for he is truly worthy to be praised. Thankyou Lord for delivering your children out of the mouth of the Lions and sending them on there way with a joyful noise of praise. Thankyou Lord for giving them a sound mind and removing the fear from their hearts. I ask you Lord to watch over them for all their days and keep their hearst open to you to always hear your voice. Praise be your name from everlasting to everlasting you are GOD!