Regina 
The spiral of the world into deeper darkness startles our hearts awake, at least it should. We should awake to prayer and fasting, to seeking the Lord with fervor we have let go. We knew we were sinful, but to stand witness to this kind of depravity leaves us reeling. The rulers of the realm of darkness rejoice I imagine, as human hearts squeeze with paralyzing fear or casual indifference, but these are not the only options for response. We can choose bold faith, fervent prayer, intentional fasting, and love. We can choose to fly in the face of this present darkness with a resolve to share the Gospel with eagerness. We can decide to battle according to the weapons our good Father has given us against the raging dark, and we have assurance that Jesus wins this war.
For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the world. Instead,they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We tear down arguments, and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinithians 1-:3-5
Our hearts crack open with grief for those who grieve today. Tears of sorrow fill our nation, but may our tears move beyond mere water on the face to giving living water to our neighbor. We need the Gospel and our lost neighbors to do too.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. Romans 10:17
Who knows what evil may be put to rest through the satisfying hearing of the true saving Word?
Let us not be lax in giving lost souls the only thing that will bring them rest. Let’s choose faith in the wake of fear and be bold enough to believe that God is sovereign over all of this brokenness. There’s work to do, fellow believer, and there is literally nothing to fear but God Himself.
The Smiles of Grace Fall Bible Study, Forgiven, will continue later this week, Lord willing. It seemed fitting to table it today in light of recent events. We need national repentance I am sure, but today let start in our homes with our own hearts. Let’s pray together for those who need it most.