Danger is all around us; yet, we have no fear because He is with us. Being free from fear does not mean we will be free from danger, but it does mean that He will be with us as we walk through a trial and as we pass through a valley. With the word danger came the memory of the recent school shooting, so I wrote a little poem to process it.
They did not know as they went to class
That this day would be their last;
For a gunman with ill intent
Had set his sights upon them without a hint.
Angry, insolent and proud
He walked under blue skies without a cloud;
Giddy kids with award services complete
Knew school was about to be obsolete.
For summer called from outdoor
Come run and play some more;
But their voices were silenced by a chum
Who had ill intent with a gun.
Now guns themselves can do no harm
They kill food for us to eat or dry in our barn;
Mental illness is dangerous and real
For it helps men to be mean and to kill.
Innocent children in the world today
Who are ready to run and to play;
But instead they are heaven bound
All without a single sound.
For their sweet lips will speak no more
And they will never do another chore;
For mental illness made it dangerous to be a child
Now let us help those left behind to not be wild.
Give a hug, say a prayer
Bring a meal and pull up a chair;
Conversations deep or small
Let us love one and all.
The Lord speaks about us being as sheep in the midst of wolves (Matthew 10:16) which implies danger. In Psalms 91, we hear, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!’”
Some people think if we trust in God then we will be immune to trials, but in reality, it means He will be with us in every trial and through every storm. Because of His Presence, we can live free from fear. We do not fear when danger comes, for He is our refuge, and He is our Hope.
Recommendations:
10 Bible Verses to Help Us Dwell in God’s Peace 10 Bible Verses to Help us Dwell in God’s Peace – Strength with Dignity
Prayer is the Key Prayer is the Key – Strength with Dignity
References:
New American Standard Bible 1995 (NASB 1995), copyright 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation.
Bible Gateway Blogger Grid Member #bgbg2 #BibleGateway
Every Friday, I join an online Christian writing community, Five Minute Friday. We are given a one-word prompt and write – unscripted, unedited, pure free-write – for 5 minutes. The prompt this week is danger.
16 thoughts on “When Danger Comes”
What a beautiful poem you have shared. The tragic loss of these children is beyond my comprehension. I need to pray for their families, that God will carry them through this sorrow. The end of your poem reminds me to love my own people while it is today and they are here to receive my love, my time, my attention. Thank you.
Yes, I’ve been praying for these families too! I’m so glad the poem encouraged you, Anna.
Such a beautiful but heartbreaking poem. These days are dark indeed, but I take comfort in knowing that God is in control of it all.
There are ugly things in the world, Ann, but I’m so thankful that we have the Prince of Peace to walk with us.
Being free from fear does not mean we will be free from danger…so true! But I am so glad that we never out of care, out of His sight, nor or things ever beyond His control. We do not need to live in fear even a world full of danger.
He is always with us, Jennifer! I’m so thankful we don’t have to be afraid but can trust Him to guide us through every situation we face.
Well, normally I’d leave a sonnet as comment, but your poem said it all, Lisa.
Thanks for the encouragement, Andrew!
A verse I have been meditating on/trying to memorize this week is Philippians 4:4-7, and the part that resonates the most is the Lord is near. I love that He is near and He will give us peace and comfort during our trials. I couldn’t actually read your poem, the whole situation breaks my heart.
The Lord does give us peace and comfort during our trials, Cindy. The verses you mentioned in Philippians 4 are some of my favorite verses in the Bible.
Who can explain the happenings around us? All we can do is trust God and believe He is with us. This is the comfort we have when placing our trust in Him.
God is so kind to walk with us, Suzette!
Thanks for sharing your poem, Lisa! It is such a heartbreaking situation. I love that you point us to Psalm 91 – that has always been one of my favourites to focus on in times of fear or anxiety.
Psalm 91 is such a comforting psalm, Lesley!
Heart-breaking! I think of my grandchildren and wonder how anyone could hurt them intentionally – and it leaves me shaken. The bravery of the teachers who tried to protect their students. I don’t understand how for an hour anyone would not have tried to save their lives – that has left me speechless. Continued prayers for their families! Thank you for putting our eyes on God – and His grace.
It is a difficult situation, Maryleigh, and hindsight is always 50/50, but in the midst of the situation, I’m sure it is very difficult to make decisions. Yes, prayers for these families and their small community. And may the Lord give parents and educators wisdom in moving forward.