Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am in distress;
My eye is wasted away from grief, my soul and my body also. Psalm 31:9

Terror filled San Bernardino this week. America was touched by tragedy once again. Friends, co-workers, first responders, families, neighbors, and communities are grieving, comforting each other, and praying.

Evil visited San Bernardino this week.

Great courage and compassion also visited San Bernardino this week. Lt. Mike Madden, the first officer on scene, told the victims that he was there to protect them, that he would take a bullet to save them if that was necessary.

It’s time to remember and applaud the good people who showed compassion and preserved the safety of the people.

It’s time to remember the good works and good people who died. Each person has a story. Each person has family and friends. As you read their names, pray for their loved ones.

Robert Adams, Isaac Amanios, Bennetta Betbadal, Harry Bowman, Sierra Clayborn, Juan Espinoza, Aurora Godoy, Shannon Johnson, Larry Daniel Kaufman, Damian Meins, Tin Nguyen, Nicholas Thalasinos, Yvette Velasco, and Michael Wetzel.

It’s time to turn to Jesus through our tears and remember that the battle is His.

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:12

It’s time to pray for those who consider themselves our enemies, for they are lost and do not understand the love of God. Matthew 5:44

It’s time to turn to the Word of God and learn that Jesus told His disciples that His followers would be oppressed, that we would be afflicted by evil.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

It’s time to remember the end of the story. Jesus tosses Satan into the lake of fire and brimstone, creates a new heaven and new earth, wipes away our tears, abolishes death and pain, heals the nations, and reigns forever among His people.

My prayer

Father in heaven, comfort San Bernardino, Redlands, Riverside, and all surrounding communities. Comfort the families of the victims who died and those who were hurt. Strengthen the first responders and all who were touched by this tragedy and give them hope. Father, I beg You to open the eyes of the lost. Open their eyes to see Your love and holiness, Your love for them. Lord, we wait on You. Come quickly.

Please pray for the families of the victims and all who were touched by tragedy.