This past week has been another time in our nation filled with grief, fear, anger, and a frustrating sense of helplessness. Many of us probably feel that no place is really safe – our churches, our schools, our workplaces, public venues – none seem secure and safe any more. Certainly those who, even if uninjured, were part of the crowd that was attacked in Las Vegas aren’t going to be able to have a sense of security for a very long time. We search for an anchor in the storms, a strong, solid footing that will keep us from being swept away into the chaos that creeps ever closer.
The realities of life are just that – realities, and they are painful and terrifying, and none of us have any desire to cope with one disaster and tragedy after another. But we don’t have much choice, at least as long as we live in this imperfect world, filled as it is with problems and conflicts.
As long as humans have been in relationship with God, whether worshiping, praising, or crying out for help, throughout the Bible there is an ongoing theme. When we are faced with overwhelming fear and loss, as God’s people, we can search his Word and listen for his voice. If we feel we are about to lose all faith and hope, we are drawn to the One whose love and compassion will never fail.
The psalmist pleads for protection from his enemies, and declares that he finds refuge in God’s strength. The Apostle Paul assures the early Christians that in spite of the hardships they are enduring, there is reason for hope, as the Holy Spirit brings them God’s love in abundance.
Paul’s timeless letters of encouragement to the early churches are filled with instructions and positive messages. To the Church at Rome, he explained in no uncertain terms that God has already done everything for us; therefore we are secure in his loving care.
“What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?…
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:31-32, 38-39)
Whether we’re trying to wrap our minds around the tragedy of a mass murder or cope with a loss that’s close to our hearts, there are no easy answers. We pray, we share words of love and hope, we continue to be people of the Good News, and we remember that Christ is the Light of the World, and the darkness cannot overcome it.
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers