Don't Fret

The events of  last week have left some of us frightened, many of us angry and most of us emotionally drained.  We have seen humanity at its worst AND at its very best. We have lamented the fact that we have been down this road before and questioned why we must travel it again. Many have turned to God and others have shaken their fist at him.

I heard a woman on TV say she was afraid to leave her home because she did not know what was going to happen next.  Of course, there are some in the devastated town of West, TX who wish they had not been in their homes when the blast occurred.  They would have been safer far away from those walls. 

My heavenly Father answers those who live in fear because of heinous acts of terrorism, "...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." Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)  Regardless of what man can do in their hate, God walks with us and promises to strengthen and help us.  All we need to do is call on him and he will answer with His embrace.  An embrace of peace that can not be understood. ^"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 (KJV)  I like the way The Message puts it ^" Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

There are some who question where God is when tragedy and devastation occurs.  They want to know why an all powerful God allows harm to come to His creation.   My answer is He was where He always has been, standing beside us, living among us and leading us through the turmoil.  He also has told us "...in this world you will have trouble" but the whole scripture also offers hope "“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  (NIV)

 My friend , we face trial and tribulation because we live in a fallen world.  A world God created for us and gave us FREE WILL to live in.  We are not God's puppets or playthings.  If a man turns his back on God and chooses to do evil, God will not always stay that man's hand.  However, know this, that man will receive his just due in the fires of hell and God's children will be given their eternal reward in heaven.  We may not understand why tragedy occurs but God is not the one to blame.  He stands with open arms ready to offer you peace, comfort and joy despite the circumstances.  You have free will to accept what he offers or turn your back.  I know accepting him allows me to live a life of peace in the storm, free from fear and worry.