Sometimes it seems so desperately far away.
We sit in our grief and pain as the loud world blares on.
Another devastating shooting and we can feel overcome by the violence, hatred and darkness.
As I turn to God's word once more, I feel a reprieve from the sadness.
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you so
disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall again
praise him, my help and my God.
Psalm 42:5
I remember the times God has delivered me from unrelenting pain.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from
him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my
fortress, I will not be shaken.
Psalm 52:5-6
I remember the times God has delivered me from utter despair.
He gives strength to the weary and increases the power
of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and
young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the
Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings
like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will
walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:29-31
I remember the days that a glimmer of light has appeared in the darkness.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12
I remember the gifts of sunshine and laughter.
During this dark time of violence and hatred, I remember the peace God offers us.
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and
secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain,
where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.
Hebrews 6:19-20
As sirens scream past with another blast of suffering, God reminds me that
. . .you beloved, are not in darkness. . . for you are all
children of light and of of the day. . . not of the night
or of darkness.
1 Thessalonians 5:4, 5
God reminds me who I am called to be.
. . .since we belong to the day, let us be self-controlled
putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope
of salvation as a helmet.
1 Thessalonians 5:8
I am called to be a child of the light.
. . . the glorious riches of this mystery, which is
Christ in you, the hope of glory
Colossians 1:27
