We grieve today as a nation and human race in the midst of the tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada. The effects of humanity’s sin on all of creation are especially evident when we suffer so much. Questions abound. Anxiety and fear grip us at the core. Doubts multiply. As Christians, we look to the Lord in the day of trouble:
“My voice rises to God, and I will cry aloud;
My voice rises to God, and He will hear me.
In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord;
In the night my hand was stretched out without weariness;
My soul refused to be comforted.
“Will the Lord reject forever?
And will He never be favorable again?
Has His lovingkindness ceased forever?
Has His promise come to an end forever?
Has God forgotten to be gracious,
Or has He in anger withdrawn His compassion?
Then I said, “It is my grief,
That the right hand of the Most High has changed.”
“I shall remember the deeds of the LORD;
Surely I will remember Your wonders of old.
I will meditate on all Your work
And muse on Your deeds.
Your way, O God, is holy;
What god is great like our God?
You are the God who works wonders;
You have made known Your strength among the peoples.
You have by Your power redeemed Your people,
The sons of Jacob and Joseph.”
(New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Psalm 77:1-2, 7–15). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation).
Gracious God, heavenly Father, You know the shock and sorrow that the shooting in Las Vegas has spread across the land. We are helpless before the evil that afflicts us and therefore cries out to You for comfort, shelter, and protection. Mercifully embrace the frightened in Your love, empower the weak with Your strength, restrain the wicked by Your might, and preserve the righteous in Your grace, giving us Your peace and turning tragedy into triumph.
Lord, You are also the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, so deal graciously with those who mourn that, casting every care on You, they may know the consolation of Your love. We pray especially for the families whose loved-ones were killed. Remember them in all their sorrow and grief. Support them when they are unable to understand the things that happen to those they love. Comfort and console them, and grant that through Your merciful help they may have the courage to face the days ahead; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Rev. HOG 
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