I had the flu last Friday, and had been up sick
most of Thursday night. My mother advised me to sleep and not turn on the TV.
Unquestioningly, I obliged. It wasn’t until late that afternoon, when I was on
Fac.ebo.ok and saw everyone’s posts, that I learned what had happened. I have
periodically wept quietly in little moments since then – in the car, in the
shower, at my desk – anytime I was alone with my thoughts long enough to let
the awful hideousness of the situation enter my mind. I refused to watch the
news or even read blog entries talking about it.
It wasn’t until this morning, with my son
at daycare and husband at work, that I was finally alone long enough to pour
out my rage and grief to God. I thought, I need to know.
I need to know that I’m not raising my son,
only to have him cut down mercilessly by the devil, who “…prowls around like a
roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8
I need to know that no matter how long I enjoy
life with my child here on earth, we will live out eternity in Heaven.
I need to know peace.
As if in answer to this silent request, my
daily devotional yesterday reminded me that there is, of course, a bigger
picture.
Proverbs 24:14 (NIV)
Know also that wisdom is like honey for
you:
If you find it, there is a future hope for you,
and your hope will not be cut off.
The Bible – especially Proverbs – is very
clear that wisdom is the most important possession any of us can acquire in
this life. Not money, not a wonderful relationship, nothing else replaces
wisdom. And true wisdom comes only from God.
Right now a fresh battle is being waged in
the war over gun control. Let me be among those who remind us that, even if
consensus is reached, the government cannot give us peace. Government ultimately
cannot save us or give us hope. It’s not in their power.
Not all things are knowable, but hope is
the hallmark of a life of faith in God – and is exactly what the enemy wants to
rob us all of. The devil wants to replace hope with fear and despair. That’s why
we have to be wise to his tricks and refuse to give in, continue to look to God
for wisdom, and allow His love to cover our fears, infuse us with peace, and
give us the hope that only He can.
God honors prayer. Pray for the families who now must cross oceans of grief. Pray for the safety of
our public (and private) spaces. Pray for those who might become the next
random victims. Pray for the minds and hearts of those who might become the
next perpetrators. Pray for the chains of the enemy to be broken. And refuse to
become a victim of fear.
John 14:27 (NIV)
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give
you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be
troubled and do not be afraid.
