I wonder when we will put it all together and realize the uncertainty and violence we see played out today, comes from our hearts turned away from God’s help. Our granddaughters won’t attend school today because of threats to schools in their district. Over reaction? That’s the problem. We don’t know. Not anymore. A gunman plans and straps on their AR rifle and ammunition, steps out of their vehicle at an outdoor large shopping mall and immediately begins shooting and 8 are dead, 7 injured. We saw the video yesterday and it stopped when several shots had been fired. Was hate his motivation? What is the end result of hate? What is the end result of any hate always? Can we have eyes to see?

Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 The Message Translation.

In 2 Samuel 1, I love the introduction. I wondered why it was called 2 Samuel when Samuel, the prophet, had already been dead. It said the book was named after the prophet who anointed David and guided him in living for God. It further pointed out God’s work done in God’s way never lacks God’s supply of wisdom and energy.

David learns of Saul and Jonathan’s deaths in this chapter. An Amalekite brought the news along with Saul’s crown and band from his arm. He claimed to have killed Saul when Saul asked him to but that wasn’t how it happened as we already learned in the last chapter. He expected reward. His life was ended.

God is our help when events we cannot comprehend overwhelm us. Yesterday in his sermon, our pastor showed an image of two hands cradling a young child who looked in distress. Our children are in distress. My heart is in distress. We have more guns today in this country than ever before. Are we safer? In Jesus Calling this morning, do not seek your heaven on earth. This earth is where hate thrives.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” John 14:6. As our pastor pointed out, when Jesus told the disciples He would be going to prepare a place for them it was not to a heavenly mansion but to Him…the way and the truth and the life…with us today with the help of Holy Spirit our Advocate. The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. John 14:10-11.

God is our help. He will not lead us down the path of hate ever. If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever – the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. John 14:15-19.

God is our help and He is the way and the truth and the life. My prayer is for every child today and for the hearts of those who would seek to hate and kill to be changed and realize their great need for God to heal them of the darkness of their hate. Nothing less will do. God alone can heal our hearts and help us see the hate in our own hearts; and that healing begins with each one of us trusting Him to know in His wisdom and love. We are that child in distress needing His protection and love. Do we have eyes to see?