Our cover and shield

Hurting people hurt people.

There are times when words just don’t seem like enough, but they are all we have to offer.

In the wake of the tragedy of events that occurred in Las Vegas last night, my heart is heavy. I am not typically one to worry much when I pass off my children outside my care. But today’s drop offs were hard. I am torn up by the brokenness of this world. I can’t help but ask questions like “Why?” What brings a person to inflict such devastation on the lives of others.

I read the words of Psalm 3 this morning. It is a Psalm of David, written when he fled from Absalom, his own son, who was trying to hurt him:

“Lord, how many are my foes!
    How many rise up against me!
Many are saying of me,
    “God will not deliver him.”

But you are a shield around me, O Lord;
     you bestow glory on me and lift my head high.
I call out to the Lord,
    and he answers me from his holy mountain.

I lie down and sleep;
    I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.
I will not fear though tens of thousands
    assail me on every side.

Arise, Lord!
    Deliver me, my God!
Strike all my enemies on the jaw;
    break the teeth of the wicked.

From the Lord comes deliverance.
    May your blessing be on your people.”

But you are a shield around me, O LORD.

I long to offer insight and comfort but today the words escape me. So, I will simply echo what is written in Psalm 3. When the things of this world surround and overwhelm us, let us always remember Christ is our protector. His covering over us is so great, we can lie down and not just take refuge, but sleep, the ultimate symbol of peace and rest. We need not cower in fear and trembling but can arise again, comforted and restored, sustained in Christ our Savior.

Peace, my Friends.