A Heavy Heart

I am sorry I haven't posted in awhile, and my heart is heavy knowing what is spurring on this post today.

At a midnight premier of the new Batman movie, a shooting took place in Aurora Colorado, killing 12 people (last I heard) and hurting many others.  It is so scary to know that all these people went to go enjoying a movie that they had been waiting to see, and then we met with a dangerous situation. 

My mind went in a million different directions, thinking about what would come of this.  My heart went out to all of those people who lost loved one or their loved ones were injured.  My heart ached for the city of Aurora, knowing that even  those who were not directly affected, were still hurting.  It made me think of the many times I've gone to the movies with my husband and girl, or honestly anywhere, thinking we were safe when really something dangerous could have been lurking around.

It's at times like this that it is so crucial to cling to Jesus.  When an event like this takes place, we may feel frighten, unsure, confused, and the one thing that is constant through it all is Jesus.  You may not have gone through a tragedy like this, but we all have experienced some level of hurt or sadness that has made us feel like we are losing grip on what we thought we knew.  One verse from the bible that brings me comfort is this:

"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

We are never left alone.  When the world is caving in around us, God is still there through it all, the one constant in our life.  He alone is who we should turn to when we need comfort, peace and understanding.

This is conducive to living a pure life.  I know it may seem like a stretch for some or just not even important, since we automatically think physical purity, but think about this for a moment.  When people go through an event that brings horrors to them, think about what they may turned to besides God.  Anger? Revenge?  Drugs?  Alcohol?  Sex?  The list goes on and on.  These are all things that can bring destruction to our lives.  They may be easier to turn to at the time, but the end result is not of healing or peace.  It usually leaves you still in confusion, distress, loneliness, and this list goes on and on.  Choices like these chip away a little at a time at our purity, or sometimes take a huge chunk.

Cling to the verse Deuteronomy 31:6 when dangers and trials come your way, and remember to cling to our Maker, our Lord.  Know that when these danger rise against us, we have someone who stands beside us, for us, and sometimes carries us when we need it.

Continue to pray for the people of Aurora Colorado.  The next few days are going to be scary and insane, and for a long time there will be hurt.  Pray God's peace and comfort for everyone.  And lift up the shooter's family.  It cannot be easy for them either to know it was a loved one of theirs that carried out this act.