Since hearing about last Friday’s horrific tragedy that befell Sam Hooks Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut, I have felt a flood of emotions (as I’m sure you have too): sadness, anger, fear, and frustration, just to name a few.
I feel extreme sadness for the victims and their families; I am angry because these events are so senseless; and I feel fear because it seems as if no place is safe anymore. As a husband to a teacher, step-son to another, and a close friend to many others, this tragedy hit a very real place…home.
So, during this time of mourning, and as the funerals begin today for the victims, I want to share with you Psalm 140. Although these are dark days for those who have been directly affected by this tragedy, as well as for those who share their grief, let us find refuge and hope in the fortress of God.
Rescue me from the wicked, O Lord!
Deliver me, O Lord , from evil men; Preserve me from violent men, Who plan evil things in their hearts; They continually gather together for war. They sharpen their tongues like a serpent; The poison of asps is under their lips. Keep me, O Lord , from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble. The proud have hidden a snare for me, and cords; They have spread a net by the wayside; They have set traps for me. I said to the Lord : “You are my God; Hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord . O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. Do not grant, O Lord , the desires of the wicked; Do not further his wicked scheme, Lest they be exalted. “ As for the head of those who surround me, Let the evil of their lips cover them; Let burning coals fall upon them; Let them be cast into the fire, Into deep pits, that they rise not up again. Let not a slanderer be established in the earth; Let evil hunt the violent man to overthrow him. ” I know that the Lord will maintain The cause of the afflicted, And justice for the poor. Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; The upright shall dwell in Your presence. (Psalm 140)
In light of the Sandy Hook Elementary tragedy, President Obama has said that he would do “everything within his power to prevent these kinds of acts from happening in the future.” What can we do as a country to help prevent these kinds of horrific acts from happening in the future? Please comment below.
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