With of all the tragedy in the City of Light on my mind, like so many I went to bed last night with a heavy heart.  Feeling helpless I prayed for mercy.  I prayed for God to spoil the plans of the evil.  I prayed for healing and peace and protection.  After doing my best to explain why we needed to pray for Paris to my baby he asked me the question…But, mommy, what if the bad people come here?

That’s a sobering question.  I did by best to say what I always say to my children and reminded myself…What do we do when we’re afraid?  His response…We pray.  We pray.  God is with us and He will not forsake us.  When we feel helpless and afraid, we pray.  When we feel angry and confused, we pray.  When we are beside ourselves with grief and despair, we pray.

At the same time that we are seeing advertising for Christmas, our televisions and news feeds are full of absolute horror.  It is a reminder that God is with us.  He came into this world for just that reason…to save us from it…and He is still doing it.  He is our hope, peace, joy and love.  He is the Light of the world.  In Him I am thankful that I do not have to be afraid because in this world we will have trouble, but He has overcome it and He is with us.

Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.  2 Chronicles 7:14