July 14: Nice, France, Bastille Day celebrations.Celebration turned to terror in a matter of minutes, when a large truck plowed full speed into the crowd of people. It seemed like it was an accident, until the driver of the truck open fired on the crowd. It was not an accident. It was a terrorist attack.
This attack comes as a continuation of a very full year of similar events across the world. Attacks have occurred in Paris, Belgium, Orlando, Istanbul, Bangladesh, and many other places. It would seem that ISIS and radical extremist Islam are on the rise.
What is the world coming to? What is happening to us?
My heart is heavy. I am indignant. I am indignant at this brutal disregard of and value for life. I am indignant that someone – many people – have the audacity to believe that they have the right to take the lives of human beings...fellow human beings...innocent human beings.
And all for what?
I am angry, sad, disgusted, and sorrowful. I am grieving the seemingly continual loss of life that is occurring with the growth of these terrorist attacks. I am clinging closer to the ones I love, because more and more, I am realizing both how precious and unsure life is.
I believe that radical Islam is currently working to grow fear in the world. Unfortunately, I think their agenda is seeing more and more success.
But fear is not the answer.
In a world that is growing in chaos, where is the hope?
As a Christian, I believe we can find hope in Christ. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). So, God has a plan and purpose in all things that happen.
It is so easy to respond to the horrible things that happen in the world with fear. Allowing ourselves to fear the perpetrators of these attacks, only encourages them. It only allows the problem to grow. Instead of responding in fear, we must put our faith in God and his plan and purpose.
In the midst of a chaotic world, I know that God has a plan in everything that happens, and I am really trying to trust that...even when it's difficult to understand. I do not know why God allows things like this to happen. I do not have that answer.
But one thing I do know is that he can offer great peace and comfort, even when life seems hopeless...even when it seems like the world is falling apart.
Psalm 46:1-2a says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear...” (ESV).
Psalm 94:19 and 22 says, “When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. But the Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge” (NIV).
Rather than responding in fear, let us
lean ever further into the arms of Christ. He is our refuge in all of
this. He has a plan. Only he can bring peace to a world that is
moving in chaos.
