Your Rock and Redeemer

Imagine being in the midst of the Cold War, trying to find peace between the hardline Soviet Union and the West. To gain respect from developing nations and established superpowers.

These were some challenges faced by Swedish statesman Dag Hammarskjöld when, on this day in 1953, he was elected Secretary General of the United Nations. In those complex times, he gained respect for his integrity. In fact, he was reelected for a second term in 1957.

Tragically, he died in 1961 in a plane crash. But after his death, his journal was discovered, which provided a new perspective on his life, particularly after it was published in a book called Markings.

In particular, this revealed a spiritual dimension that surprised many. Readers discovered his struggle with doubt, and how often he prayed for God’s help with the challenges he faced. Markings also revealed his Christian roots and his knowledge of the Bible.

For example, on July 29, 1958, he reflected on the Lord’s Prayer, and confessed that his life had meaning only when he served others and sought God’s will. On August 2, 1961, just a few weeks before his death, Hammarskjöld wrote about Psalm 78, praying that God would forgive his doubt, anger, and pride. He recognized that God was his rock and redeemer.

These insights can be life-changing for you. No matter what you face, the Bible encourages you to seek and search diligently for God, to make Him your Rock. Be honest with Him. Depend on Him. And seek an intimate relationship with Him.