We had another elementary school shooting yesterday. 14 children, 1 teacher and 1 Grandmother killed by someone barely out of childhood himself, who was also killed. I keep thinking about those kids who had to have been so scared. I think by extension about the kids in Ukraine and in every nation where war rages, where hate overtakes.

If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. 1 Corinthians 15:19.

When I can’t understand the evil in the world I am in distress. How can anyone understand the awful things in this world? Do you? Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God – I say this to your shame. 1 Corinthians 15:33-34.

Looking at the events in this world it’s easy to lose hope. How long Lord? How long until You bring evil to an end? That was my prayer this morning and the Psalmists echo that same plea. How long? If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. That verse resonates with me this morning because in this life we have mass shootings of children. In this life families are broken and hurting as they try to make sense of this the most recent tragedy and wonder how many more? Will every school fall victim to the hate of evil? Come back to your senses and stop sinning.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then when he comes, those who belong to him. Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father after he has destroyed all dominion, authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26.

God reminds me to turn my eyes and heart back to Him when I am in distress. For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:14-19.

In this life events of cruelty happen that break my heart and fill me with distress. With power through his Spirit in my inner being, Christ dwells in my heart through faith. This life here on earth does not give me hope. The Father, Son and Holy Spirit give me hope and remind me of their love that surpasses knowledge. How long Lord? He lifts me out of distress because He dwells in my inner being and brings me peace that though the world glorifies sin, He will put an end to sin in our hearts. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57. I take such comfort in God’s presence and love. I pray you do, too.