Love Wins

Kings hate to see anyone doing wrong, because kingdoms grow strong only when everyone is honest and fair. (ESV) Proverbs 16:12

In light of the Orlando shooting, and out of the greatest remorse for the victims, I wanted to look at today’s Proverb through the eyes of authority.  Kings, or those in authority, we are told by Solomon, are at their strongest when dealings are honest and fair within their domain of authority.

What happened to 49 innocent people in Orlando wasn’t honest or fair, it was an abomination of hate. The survivors find themselves in the hospital, fighting night terrors, physical and psychological damages as they bury their friends.  This is an affront to love. It is encouraging to see the nation pull behind the survivors and the victim’s families. It is good that we shower compassion and love.  It is wonderful that blood banks are being filled and that random acts of kindness are more prevalent today.  In this climate of compassion and love, reaching out and respect, our world thrives.  It becomes a bit gentler as love beats back the darkness.

This doesn’t change anything for those families that are mourning the loss of their loved ones.  My prayer is for those that are hurting today.  I pray that angels of mercy would draw close.  I can only imagine that you can’t make sense of a nonsensical killing spree, and that the hole in your heart would be lesser than the air that you try to breathe.  I pray you take one breath at a time.  That each breath is deeper and longer.  I pray for you in the days ahead and the sadness that engulfs you. I pray that hope would find its way into your existence again.  Psalm 34:18 promises that 

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
    and saves those who are crushed in spirit.“.

I believe that the Spirit of the Lord makes up the very breath that you are breathing in today. He is that close, that personal.  I pray that His presence makes a difference in your every moments and in all of your senses.  I pray that as the dawn rises each morning, His presence in your heart, makes it easier to breathe again.  I pray for all of you, for each step you take to be one of healing and restoration.  I know it doesn’t feel like it today, but my prayer is that love wins.