It's too easy to forget that there's a war going on. I was not aware that the Russian-Ukrainian conflict had been in effect for over eight years (since February, 2014). Now, since Russian troops sieged the Ukraine on February 20, 2022, devastation, chaos, upheaval, and insurgency (active revolts and uprisings) have occurred in both nations. There have also been negative down-line effects across the world with more to come, government leaders say. When war occurs, not just the soldiers and governmental leaders are affected; the lives of their spouses, children, friends, family, and civilians are impacted. Everyone needs our prayers and support. I can't imagine the heartbreak, fear and anxiety, or the long-term economic and mental health effects to come.

With so much going on even in the US since the 2008 Housing Crisis, it's easy to see why we are BEWILDERED - perplexed and confused. The root word "wilder" means to cause to lose one's way; to lead, or drive astray. The Biblical wilderness—is an uncultivated, uninhabited, and inhospitable region; a neglected or abandoned area; a position of disfavor. It seems clear, somewhere along the way some have lost their way and have been led astray by internal greed, a lust for power, prestige, and status. The sad images we've viewed that value power over people have left most of us perplexed—we feel completely baffled. Vladimir Putin is not the only one whose values have been corrupted; to some degree, many of our priorities out of order. It seems like we are going around in circles, just like the Children of Israel did for 40 years.

To God, the time of wilderness walking is like everything else—a question of worship. He reminded His people in Deuteronomy 8:2, "Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep his commands." Bewilderment is a heart issue, whether we're talking about world leaders or ourselves. Are you going around in circles yet getting nowhere? Check the motives of your heart. The Good News is if we're bewildered, we can repent and return to God.