1 Corinthians 14:33: “For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.”
I had this Friday morning’s devotional Blog post all typed and ready to hit publish. I was studying 1 Corinthians 14 this week. But after yesterday’s shooting occurrence at Saugus High School, it just didn’t seem appropriate or fitting this morning, so I just now deleted most of what I had written. Our two children attended Saugus High School. Jonathan graduated in 1995 and Amy in 1997. We lived just across the street and around the corner from the high school back then. This tragedy hit where I live.
Our community and yesterday’s event at Saugus High School has now been on national news. It touched my heart seeing on the TV news reports, over and over boys hugging their mothers. Many students interviewed told how they had texted their parents telling them they loved them. The reality of death was very evident.
But God is never baffled, befuddled, bewildered, perplexed, or panic-stricken. I am drinking my morning coffee right now out of my favorite coffee mug and looking at the various names of God in gold paint on this mug. God is the giver of peace – Jehovah Shalom, He is ever-present – Jehovah Shammah, He is our healer, Jehovah Rophe. He is Jehovah Rohi, our good shepherd. He is our battle fighter – Jehovah Nissi, and my favorite, is our provider – Jehovah Jireh.
One thing we can all hold onto is the fact that God never changes, 1 Corinthians 14:33 is still true. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace.
I have been reminded especially this week that Jesus Christ is risen, is risen indeed! Jesus Christ is LORD despite our cultural moment. God is bigger than our moment. We can never understand the story from the moment.
Embrace words that encourage, and comfort, those you come across today. That is using the gift of the Holy Spirit through you, and in a language, all can understand and need. Make a loving, kind, and generous memory for someone because as we have learned again yesterday, life is short and can be ended abruptly.
Has God given you something to say or has inspired you to do something for His glory? Pay close attention for God is not the author of confusion but of peace.
Listen to Hillsong The Power Of Your Love with lyrics YouTube.