TAKING THE CHILL OFF OF YOUR SOUL

                Do you ever get chilled and then feel like you just can’t get warm? Sometimes, when the weather becomes cold and damp, I get chilled. It is not a matter of the actual temperature, but of the combination of conditions. When I get chilled, it is hard to stay focused. I have a small heater in my office for times just like this. When I get chilled, I place the heater near my chair, plug it in and soon it is radiating warmth.  

                Sometimes, circumstances chill my soul. As I write this, I am grieving with the people of Newtown, Connecticut. A 20 year old man walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School and killed 26 people, mostly children. I huge “WHY!” erupts from the very depth of my soul. It is a question that we will never fully answer. In the aftermath of such an event, a chill settles on my soul. What can we do, in response to such events, to take the chill off of our soul?

                We can begin by being realistic about the world we live in. We are always surprised by events like the shooting at Sandy Hook. We expect this kind of thing to happen in less stable parts of the world, but not in small town America. We should never get to the place where we are callous to events like this. Yet, we need to come to grips with the reality that we live in a violent world that is only going to get worse. Jesus warned his disciples that as time on earth draws short, we can expect the level of violence to increase. Satan is not going to go out without a fight.

                Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains. Mark 13:5-8 (NIV)

                We need to understand that, even though these things play out in our material world, they are spiritual in nature. Whenever we become aware of a crisis like this, many people look for simplistic answers to address the issue. Already we are hearing the cries for more laws to protect us. The problem is that all a law can do is shield us for a time for the real danger. The real problem is within the souls of people, who are unwittingly playing into the hands of Satan. Although we should do all we can to protect innocent people, let’s never think that passing another law is the ultimate answer.

                For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 (NIV)

                We can know that Jesus enters our grief with us. When Jesus went to Mary and Martha at the death of Lazarus, he wept with them, even though he knew he would raise Lazarus from the dead. Jesus came to earth as a human being in order to experience our life firsthand. He understands our struggles intimately. We can go to him for comfort.

                Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

                We need to put our faith to work and trust Christ’s promises to us. Jesus never promised to answer the question “why.” He did promise to be with us in every situation in life. We can find hope in the reality that God is still in control, even when our world seems out of control. Jesus promised us that even in the face of horrendous events like Sandy Hook, he has not abandoned us. 

                        "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33 (NIV)

                We also need to trust him to redeem even the worst situations. The killings at Sandy Hook were senseless and appalling. We will never understand them. We can claim Christ’s promise that he can redeem even that negative situation. Rather than being a trite platitude, God’s promise is an anchor for chaotic times.

                And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (NIV)

                Lastly, God has given us one another for times just like this. When a chill has descended upon our souls, we can gain spiritual warmth by coming together to support and encourage one another. Just as physical body heat is positively compounded when people huddle together, so our spiritual vitality is enhanced when we come together, in the name of Jesus, to face the crushing events of life.

                Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Romans 12:15 (NIV)

                Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2 (NIV)