Mass murder is again in the news. This My Psalm was written when the Parkland High School shooting occurred, but once more we hear of two others committed this month. I’m currently reading Old Testament stories when 12,000 were killed in a single battle, that one authorized by God to clear the land for Joshua and the Israelites. Life is precious. We can ask the question, “Why?” but we can balance that with God’s sovereignty and knowledge of man’s sinful nature in need of salvation. Psalm 139 tells us our death date is determined before we are born. We also know that from tragedy comes a good purpose for someone, and that all events are guided and directed by a merciful Father. Without that knowledge, indeed we would be lost indeed. Meanwhile, let us remember 11 Timothy 1:7: “The Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gibes us power, love, and self-discipline. Let us pray for those who need comfort, and rest in God’s presence with us through tragedy as well as good times.
MY PSALM 335 MASS MURDER IN FLORIDA
Following the nightclub shooting in Orlando and the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting in Parkland.
From everlasting to everlasting
You are Lord.
You alone are Sovereign.
You created us. You sustain all life.
You direct our paths,
You call us to Yourself.
You have told us to teach Your attributes
From one generation to another,
To proclaim Your honor to our children
And our children’s children.
When our little one asks,
After hearing a mournful orchestra piece,
‘Grandma, did someone die?”
And I confess to her that many people died
In Orlando, in Parkland, she answered,
“That makes me sad, Grandma.”
I try to teach her to live by Paul’s words:
“Do not be anxious about anything,
But in everything, by prayer and petition,
With thanksgiving,
Present your requests to God, And the peace of God
Which transcends all understanding,
Will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”[1]
I try to be an encourager, to make my heart believe
That the right will succeed, That all will be all right for my loved ones,
When I repeat over and over,
Sinking this truth into my heart.
It often gets dashed by the evil around me.
I too say, like my sweet grandbaby,
“That makes me sad.”
Yet once more I read
And Your Word tells me once again:
“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right
Whatever is admirable—if anythOr praiseworthy—think on these things.”[2]
We pray for redemption, for revival.
Even today, change our hearts.
Let those who serve and encourage
Find their strength in You.
Lord, forgive us for our lack of love,
Keep us close to Your precepts.
Your covenant says You shall be our God
And we shall be Your people.
Let our hearts not be hardened by the world,
But continually renew a right spirit in us,
Keeping our eyes fixed on You,
The author and finisher of our faith.
We thank You, in Jesus’ Precious Name. Amen.
[1] Philippians 4: 6-7
[2] Philippians 4: 8ing is excellent
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