Still Reason to Hope

This morning, I heard about the terrible shootings in Connecticut of so many children in kindergarten, and was immediately shocked and saddened. So far, there are 26 confirmed dead. What an awful tragedy. My heart aches for the families of those who have been shot, and for the family of the shooter. I hurt also for those who survived, for their road ahead will be difficult. I’m sure that many people will cry out in anger that there must not be a God, or something like this would not happen. Or, some will question why God didn’t stop it from happening. I do not know why this devastating thing occurred, but I do know there is a God. I know he loves his children. He loves those who were shot and their families. He loves the shooter and his family. He loves us so much that he allows each of his children the right to choose, whether it’s good or bad. Sadly, this man chose to use his freedom to end lives and devastate others. It is very easy to grow bitter, angry, and fearful about our world and the people in it. It is definitely a challenge to hold on to hope. It is hard to keep going when so many tragic things happen every day all around us. Mine is a voice of encouragement, a voice saying, “Don’t give up hope!”. Instead of turning away from God when things are horrible, turn toward him. He will calm. He will send peace. He will provide justice. I love the promise Christ gives to those who follow and believe him, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33). He has overcome all that is hurtful, all that is not right. He suffered all the pain we now suffer, and will help each of us through it. There is still reason to rejoice! There is still good in the world! Hope is not gone, but is available through Jesus Christ.