The fear, anger and anguish of seeing black man after black man, black woman after black woman, being attacked, murdered and punished unjustly is too heavy for words. It’s difficult to comprehend the senseless violence that continues to take lives. But, when human comprehension fails, God speaks.

I have no notion of telling you how to grieve, cope and live with fear of the future, fear of who is next, fear of the violence lurking around every corner. But, I can tell you that God loves us, cares for us, and is the best judge and justice system we’ll ever know.

Here are a few Biblical truths to help guide our grief of these losses, dismantle our fear, and act on our desires for justice.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)

As we’re scrolling through social media feeds and news websites, it can be easy to accept the fear that can so easily consume us, but we must not. We must not fight battles with fear, but with power, love and a sound mind.

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)

However we choose to grieve, however we choose to act, whatever we choose to post on social media will be fruitless without God’s direction which comes through continuous conversation with Him.

“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-16 NIV)

Action is a by-product of our faith. Constant communication with God propels us to action. Just as Jesus went out alone to speak with God, went back and continued His work, that’s our cue to do the same. 

“For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king; it is he who will save us.” (Isaiah 33:22 NIV)

As we’re praying and then working in faith, we can’t forget God is the ultimate judge.  He knows the beginning from the end, fact from fiction, and He will judge accordingly.

“Do not take revenge, my dear  friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:19 NIV)

God is everywhere at once. He bends time and space. He knows us in the smallest details. This is the God who will avenge us. This is the God who will do what only God can do. This is the God who can do exceedingly better than any revenge we can think of ourselves.  

“For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11 KJV)

You matter to God, and he cares about every aspect of your life. So let’s get alone with God during this time, and pour out our hearts to Him. He will without a doubt hear us and respond to our request for guidance –  mentally, physically, emotionally.

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