A response to the tragedy in Las Vegas.

It’s @spicetolife ’s turn to write the “Prayer Prompt” for a virtual group of River Women. Below is what she wrote. 

(Weekly gals take turns writing a short devotional so that we get to know God’s Word and each other and grow in community. If you’re not part of this text group (in iOS), message @lynwoodruff.)

Sunday afternoon I wrote a prayer prompt for Monday morning. It was cued ready to send out first thing.

And then, I woke up and read what has transpired in Las Vegas. My prayer prompt no longer fit.

All day I have been asking the Lord for an alternative to share with you my sisters at The River Church.

Psalm 116: 5-9

Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.

The Lord preserves the simple; when I was brought low, he saved me.

Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.

For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling;

I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living.

These senseless tragedies happen regularly on our planet, 

far away; 

or nearby, affecting us personally.

And when it does, humankind created by our Father in heaven

will always ask:

“Why God? How could you let this happen.”

Do you have an answer?

Why?

Because he loves us, we are free to follow righteousness or evil.

To worship him, or…not.

Why?

Because some — no most of us — have chosen evil. 

He cannot force us to choose righteousness.

When these things happen, it is a reminder of his grace:

Be amazed that it doesn’t happen MORE. 

Be amazed that in the midst of such an evil world, 

we don’t all have to live in mayhem as a way of life.

(Though some in other countries do.)

While we are in the “Land of the living,” 

(before the best and eternal part of life)

our earth is temporarily ruled by forces of darkness intent on destroying us.

We are a generation has grown up rehearsing hours a week of such violence with movies and TV and gaming.

How indeed, does this kind of mayhem not happen more?

As we grieve today, dear friends, let’s remember Psalm 116.

“Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; our God is merciful.”