The world often feels overwhelming. In just a single week, we can hear about assassinations (Charlie Kirk), shootings (Evergreen High School), wars breaking out, political upheaval, racism, corruption in justice systems, and heartbreaking stories of innocent lives lost. These events leave us sorrowful, confused, and asking hard questions.
I remember being a child during the September 11 attacks and watching the fear ripple across our country. Adults didn’t know how to process it, and children certainly didn’t either. That same kind of weight comes back whenever tragedies strike… whether on our soil or abroad.
In moments like these, I want to offer three reminders for every believer:
1. It’s Okay to Be Sad
Scripture tells us that “Jesus wept” (John 11:35). We are also commanded to “weep with those who weep and mourn with those who mourn” (Romans 12:15). Grief is not weakness… it’s part of our humanity. God designed us with the ability to feel deeply, and sorrow is a natural response to a broken world.
Being sad doesn’t mean you lack faith. It means you care. It means you are alive to the reality of evil and injustice. And it means you’re sharing in the heart of Christ, who Himself felt sorrow over sin and death.
2. Our Hope and Identity Are in Christ
Yes, politics, laws, and social systems affect us every day. But none of them define who we are. Our first identity is that we are made in God’s image. And if we are in Christ, then we are children of God, co-heirs with Christ, filled with the Spirit, and secure in eternal hope.
Jesus reminded us not to fear those who can harm the body but cannot touch the soul (Matthew 10:28). That doesn’t mean we ignore the brokenness around us. But it does mean that even in the darkest times, we stand on a foundation that cannot be shaken… Christ is King, and He is in control.
3. Live Faithfully and Take Responsibility
While we cannot control random acts of violence or the schemes of the enemy, we do have responsibility for how we live each day.
- We can place our faith in Jesus.
- We can choose to mourn with the hurting and love our neighbors.
- We can use our voices… whether through voting, conversations, social media, or daily actions… to stand for truth.
- We can glorify God in our work, no matter what field we are in, remembering that everything we do is ultimately unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23).
The real battle is not against flesh and blood. Scripture says our true enemy is spiritual… the devil and his schemes (Ephesians 6:12). That’s why God gives us His armor: truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, His Word, and prayer. These are the weapons by which we endure and stand firm.
Closing Thoughts
Sin is shocking, but it should not fully surprise us. Scripture tells us the world is fallen, and we feel its effects every day. Yet even as we grieve, we do not grieve as those without hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13).
Christ is still King. Our hope is in Him. He calls us to live faithfully… not carrying the weight of the world on our shoulders, but trusting that He is working all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28).
My prayer is that in the face of sorrow, you find the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, and the courage to live boldly for Him right where you are.
Charlie Kirk once quoted John MacArthur, saying, “All death can do to the believer is deliver him to Jesus.” This reflects the truth that your battle is not against flesh and blood, your defeat is not in death, and your victory is not through your own power but in Christ Jesus alone.