In The Midst Of Tragedy

In the aftermath of last week's tragedy, emotions such as fear, anger, and grief have developed in the hearts of people worldwide as they have begun to process the events and deal with the emotional turmoil that has ensued. Yet,
despite the upheaval America is presently in, we can rest assured that God is in control, and that this confidence is grounded in the unshakable foundation of the Word of God.

Though fear is a natural response to traumatic events, it is a dangerously paralyzing reaction that allows Satan to gain a foothold in our lives. Fear immobilizes us by preventing us from reaching out to others, and living lives
of victory.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe." Psalm 37:1,7,9,18-19 states, "Do not fret because of
evil men . . . Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes . . . For evil men will be cut off . . .The day of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever. In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty."

At times like these we are often filled with anger, disbelief, and a desire for revenge. Having feelings of anger is not a sin. Even Jesus demonstrated righteous anger in His days on earth; but the Bible also places parameters on
anger. It must be channeled in the right direction and not allowed to harbor in our hearts where it can become the root of bitterness and resentment. We must also be careful not to allow our anger to lead simply to revenge. While it is true that the men who committed these horrible acts must be brought to justice, revenge is God's business. Romans 12:19 says, "Do not take revenge . . .but leave room for God's wrath, it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord."

Our leaders have been given authority by God to uphold His moral law and to
bring about consequences for those who choose not to submit to the laws of the land. Please pray for our leaders who need God's guidance in planning our country's next course of action.

In the wake of such horrendous acts of violence, it is often difficult to know what to pray or even how to pray. Over the next few days and weeks whenever you are perplexed, remember the prayer that Jesus uttered as he approached the
most trying time in His life. In John 12:27-28 Jesus prayed, "Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? 'Father, save me from this hour'? No it was this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!" Rather than allowing yourself to become overwhelmed with doubt, anger, and fear ask the Lord to replace those emotions with hope, confidence in Him, and courage. God will hear your prayer.

In the midst of suffering, people are often more apt to talk about the Lord because they are eager to get answers. Thus, more doors will be opening
for Christians who are willing to take the life-giving news of the Word of God to all who will listen. God can and will use these tragic events to bring His message of hope and love to a lost world.

Make this your prayer today, "Father, in this tragedy, glorify your name."

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