I turn on the news
     and what do I see?
People are dying,
     even people like me.
We want to feel safe
     wherever we are.
But we’re often in danger
     even in our own car.
We think for a moment,
     but not for too long.
Would I be a hero,
     would I be that strong?

We’re looking for answers
     on how this all stops.
Perhaps if Big Brother
     would provide us more cops.
If we made it much harder
     for men to be armed.
Do you really think that
     we couldn’t be harmed?
For there’s always that someone
     who will still find a gun.
They’ll go out and shoot you
     ‘cause they think it is fun.

Before you’re too worried
     that hope can’t be found.
Go pick up a Bible,
     take a good look around.
On all of these pages
     that God chose to give.
Are words that should help us
     know just how to live.
Words that bring comfort,
     words that are true.
Words that when shared
     can bring hope to you, too.

In the midst of such heartache,
     in the midst of such loss.
These words point to Jesus
     as he hung on a cross.
“Father, forgive them”
     were the words that He prayed.
His heart had compassion
     on those who had strayed.
Before we look outward,
     we must look within.
Father, come cleanse me
     and forgive all my sin.

It’s only when we take
     God’s Word as the norm.
That we have a message
     with power to transform.
I pray that you’re living
     a life that is free.
So as people do watch you,
     it’s Jesus they see.
And as you encounter
     a world that’s a mess.
You share with them Jesus,
     who so wants to bless.
©

I’ve been using the local news as a prayer guide this morning and this poem appeared in my mind as a result. I pray that God continues to equip and encourage His people to be the light of the world wherever they are so that the world will see the true Living Hope.

In prayer,
Tom