A Reflection On Sandy Hook - Veasna Eddie Khem

Dear Family & Friends:

America is devastated by last week's tragedy of (20) children and (7) adults who were killed by a 20 year old young man at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT.  When crimes like this happen, I can say for certain that our faith is tested.  When we are in dark times, we hurt; and we ask "why me?"  This devastating crime can happen anywhere because our world is increasingly filled with violence.  We know it is not unusual to experience a time of darkness. As a matter of fact, it will happen to everyone.

Q239:  Who do we talk to when we are in dark times?

A239:  "Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant?  Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.  But now, all you who light fires and provide yourselves with flaming torches, go, walk in the light of your fires and of the torches you have set ablaze.  This is what you shall receive from my hand:  You will lie down in torment." ~ Isaiah 50:10-11.  "And at three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?” (which means “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” ~ Mark 15:34.

 
We all go through dark times, and we all sometimes feel forsaken, but our faith in Christ is our hope.  With and in Him, we are never without hope.  God loves us always, even when we hurt and are in a time of darkness.  He has promised us in Psalms 23:1-3, "The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.  He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul.  He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake."  Warren Wiersbe is correct when he says, “When you and I hurt deeply, what we really need is not an explanation from God, but a revelation of God.  We need to see how great God is; we need to recover our lost perspective on life.
 
Today's Prayer
Heavenly Father, at the moment nothing seems to be able to help the loss we feel.  Nothing can replace the loss of lives.  Our heart is broken and our spirit mourns.  All we know is that Your grace is sufficient.  This day, this hour, and moment by moment, we choose to lean on You.  For when we are at our weakest, Your strength is strongest.  We pour out our grief to You, and praise You for a glorious day.  When all suffering and hurts are extinguished, may Your love conquer.  Lord, we thank You so much for love.  In Jesus' name, we pray.  Amen.

Grace and peace, 

Veasna Eddie Khem
Do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:14) .  Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart (Psalms 37:4).