I lift my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
As of June 1, 2022, there have been 214 mass shootings in America. While politicians in Washington, DC continue to debate the need for sensible gun legislation, the country is struggling to couple with the fear of gun violence. At this point, many Americans are paralyzed with fear. Some are afraid to go to public places including churches, supermarkets, or movie theaters. With no potential changes in the gun culture of this country, we are on pace this year to eclipse the total number of mass shootings that occurred last year.
In addition, financial experts are warning of an impending economic hurricane that is on the horizon. With a struggling stock market, ongoing problems with the supply chain for needed goods, rising gasoline prices, an overheated real estate market, and a struggling economy, many Americans are barely making ends meet. With “war in the biggest wheat-producing region in the world, global supply chain as a consequence of the global Covid-19 pandemic, and climate change having a negative in the harvests. The experts warn us that it is highly likely that a worldwide food crisis is on its way.”
It is no wonder so many people are losing hope. In times like this, we must look to God who is our provider and protector. In today’s text, the psalmist reminds us that our help comes from the Lord. Therefore, in difficult times, we must cry out to God and put our hope in Him. Despite the challenges we face, God has not forsaken us. He is our very present help in times of danger.
Though danger is seemingly all around us, we should not live in fear. If we do evil will win. Yes, we must be cautious and not put ourselves in dangerous situations. But we must resist the temptation to hide inside our homes. Despite Covid and gun violence, we should not forsake in-person corporate worship. We should go on vacation, participate in family reunions, go for walks, have picnics at the park, go to movie theaters, and when possible, go out to dinner with friends and loved ones.
Lest we forget that the joy of the Lord is our strength. The life we have is a gift from God that must be lived to fullness. We need to begin each day with prayer so we can remain under the shadow of almighty God. My prayer is for God to be a fence all around me, my family, my church family, my friends, and everyone in my sphere of influence every day. Though the times are indeed challenging, we serve a God who cannot fail and cannot be defeated.
Let us continue to pray for one another and encourage each other to trust in the Lord with all our hearts despite the challenges we face. In times like these, I find comfort in Isaiah 41:10, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
What the enemy meant for evil, God can make it work for our good. It may be difficult to see how God can make a mass shooting work for our good, but I know His ways are not our ways, nor His thoughts our thoughts. All we are asked to do is trust and obey. Let us continue to serve the Lord faithfully and look to Him as we contend with the crises of our day.
Questions for Personal Reflection
How are you dealing with the crisis facing this country?
How can faith in God help you to cope with your personal challenges?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I am struggling to make sense of all the mass shootings happening throughout this country. Please help me to remain steadfast in my faith and trust you to build a fence around me and those I love.
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