How many wars have there been? I don’t think anyone knows because there were wars before recorded history, I’m sure. Also, what defines a war as opposed to a battle or a skirmish or a conflict or a feud or a fight? There are a lot of words for fighting because it’s something we do a lot.

God didn’t intend for any of it.

For there to be a fight, there needs to be an “us” and a “them.” But God only wanted an us. He created His children to be united with Him. One big happy family. No wars. No battles. No conflicts.

But we chose otherwise. We were tempted by the devil’s promise of power and control. And we got what we chose. God let us have the power we thought we wanted and control over our destinies, outside of His peaceful kingdom.

It’s been nothing but fighting ever since. Conflict after conflict, in our homes, in our societies, in our nations.

But one day God will put an end to all our bickering, our clamoring for power, and our self-inflicted wars. When He says, “Enough!” it will indeed be enough.

“Stop fighting, and know that I am God, exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” (Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

God is the only true power in all of creation. When we exalt Him and not ourselves, we can finally have peace.

Dear God,

I look forward to the day when you return and put a stop to our ceaseless fighting. I long to live in your kingdom of truth and peace where love and goodness rule. Forgive me for the contributions I have made to conflict and power-struggles in this world. Teach me today how to contribute to peace and love instead. The only battle worth fighting is against evil — and you have already won that war.