Three weeks ago, the Holy Spirit led me to read Psalm 86. My faithful God was warning me that there was sorrow ahead. And then Charlie Kirk was assassinated. We mourn a husband and father who believed and taught that the Lord Jesus Christ was Savior and wanted to reach all people.
The initial shock of such violence overwhelmed my soul. I lived through the assassinations of the 1960s as well as the attempts on Ronald Reagan and more recently, Donald Trump. Since I was saved by Jesus Christ, my reaction has been to cry out for mercy on my country and its citizens, as well as to ask that the message of salvation through Jesus Christ would resound throughout the world. The response to Charlie Kirk’s death leading to many returning or turning to faith has encouraged me that God hears our prayers. Time spent in prayer alone and with other believers yields change I can rejoice in seeing. May those who delight in violence choose to change their minds and hearts. I can only beg for mercy for them, as I believe Charlie would do.
A portion of the Psalm speaks to my soul in depth; I choose to rely on God’s faithfulness daily but need it especially in times of great trouble. I find peace knowing that one day, His will on earth will match His will in heaven.
Psalm 86:11-17 Teach me your way, Lord, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name. I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. For great is your love toward me; you have delivered me from the depths, from the realm of the dead. Arrogant foes are attacking me, O God; ruthless people are trying to kill me—they have no regard for you. But you, Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. Turn to me and have mercy on me; show your strength in behalf of your servant; save me, because I serve you just as my mother did. Give me a sign of your goodness, that my enemies may see it and be put to shame, for you, Lord, have helped me and comforted me.
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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