When will it end?

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. - 2 Chronicles 7:14

Like many others, whenever there is a mass shooting, I hope and pray that it will be the last one. Of course, it is really disheartening to hear of another. Much more devastating is the fact that, today (3/25/2021), we are in the wake of two in Atlanta, Georgia and Boulder, Colorado. It is enough to leave you perplexed and wondering when it will end.

The main concern, now, is for all those who were affected. Families are grieving the loss of a loved one who was at work or had simply made a trip to the grocery store. Such common, every day activities are not supposed to end like this. May God bring healing, strength, and mental and emotional peace. May each one have the support of people who really care for them.

The fact that these tragedies continue to happen can discourage the urge to pray. A person can feel that God is not answering, therefore it is no use. Of course, God does answer prayer, and there is no failure in Him. When prayers are not answered the failure is in us. As this verse says, we must turn from our wicked ways. Sometimes, when we think of wickedness we think of the extreme. However, allowing guns to be so easily accessible is wicked; especially after all the tragedies that have taken place. Also, I understand that one of the shooters was bullied and picked on in school. We must teach our children to be more respectful and kinder to one another. Bullying and being picked on can create deep wounds that lead to emotional turmoil. It should not be taken lightly.

There are other changes that we, as individuals and as a society, can make that are in line with God’s plan for us. We cannot just pray and ask Him to bring change. We must make changes ourselves as we continue to pray. Only then will we find the peace we seek.