The realities of our world of darkness are regularly being unveiled; these are uncomfortable revelations. Confusion and conflict seem to rule this age. The values of our society seem so skewed from our understanding, and the ripple effect of this confusion reaches into every aspect of our society.
In the course of 11 days, there have been three known mass shootings: a market in Buffalo, NY, a church in Laguna Woods, CA, and an elementary school in Uvalde, TX. There are no words to truly convey the grief of these types of incidents, and there are no magic words to provide clarity or hope. No one anticipates losing their lives headed to the grocery store, church, or to elementary school. It is heartbreaking, unnerving, and wrong. Add to this the countless acts of violence taking place in neighborhoods, parks, and homes, and we have countless reminders of the hopelessness provided by mankind.
Understandably, there are cries for reform. We comprehend that same actions and processes breed same results. A significant problem is encountered, however, in that the heart of man is filled with violence and senseless acts. Galatians lists the horrors of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21); Colossians speaks of the need to put away “anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth” (Col. 3:8) among other things. The problem, as Jesus makes abundantly clear, is these things come from within the heart of a person (Mark 7:21-23). Only God can rescue us from the violence treasured within us. The instructions in Galatians, Ephesians, and Colossians to cast off anger and hatred were given to believers. We struggle with the war going on within us (James 4:1-3), and we have already been set free from the lordship of sin and death (Rom. 6:6-23; 8:2). We have the Spirit of God within us (Rom. 8:9), we have been made spiritually alive (Eph. 2:5), and God has graciously provided help in the midst of our temptations (1 Cor. 10:13; Heb. 2:17-18; 4:14-16).
Our hearts should hurt for a society that has no safe place. Physically, we are in the same boat; however, God has provided us with an ultimate refuge, THE SAFE PLACE. God has provided us with Himself (Psalm 46:1; 91:1-9). In this life, there will be external dangers that can feel like or include death (2 Cor. 4:8-12), but God is working and renewing and providing (2 Cor. 4:13-18).
One day, our Savior will return and make all things right. In that day, there will be no injustice. God will restore order and establish good. Sorrow, pain, and death will be swallowed up in His day. God will wipe away the tears. Until then, we seek refuge in Him alone, we point one another to Him, and we tell our neighbors and coworkers that He is infinitely safe. Come to Him!