On Friday, Paris, a city of love, was disrupted by hate and violence. Over a hundred dead and hundreds injured, the world was left in shock. The threat of terrorism was more real now, and the world is asking questions. "Why?" "How?" "How do we respond?" "What now?" "Who is next?"
Amidst these questions, fear is a natural response. Instead of turning to panic, we have to rest on what we know for sure.
God is so good.
We don't know what is happening in the world. We don't know a permanent solution. We don't have a promise of safety. But we do have Jesus. We do have hope. This world is not our home, and we have to rest in that. These verses should be what we turn to in a time of uncertainty.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The LORD is the defense of my life; Whom shall I dread?" - Psalm 27:1
"The righteous cry, and the LORD hears And delivers them out of all their troubles." - Psalm 34:17
"Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand." - Isaiah 41:10
"The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me" - Psalm 118:6
"For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." - 2 Timothy 1:7
"Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell." - Matthew 10:28
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” - Psalm 23:4
"Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13
“Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” - John 14:27
“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” - Psalm 94:19
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9
“He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” - Mark 4:39-40
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 5:3-10
Pray for Paris. Pray for all affected by this horrible injustice. Pray for peace.
