People are hurting.   People are hurting others.  Mass murder, shootings, looting, demonstrations, political unrest, racism and pandemics.   Rick Warren says, “Hurt people, Hurt people.”   In some way we have all been hurt or we are hurting with or without intention.

I am meditating much on the ‘fulness’ of the Grace of God.  I think this sums it up best.  “God’s grace is not a gentle shower washing away our problems.  His grace is a raging, roaring river whose current knocks you off your feet and carries you into the presence of God.”

From John 1: 1, 14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Did you catch it?   “FULL of GRACE and TRUTH”    He pours out His Grace and His Truth and he ‘cannot’ be emptied of either.  It keeps on coming.  He keeps on ‘giving’ often when we do not deserve it.

“There is no doubt we are living in dark times. Violence and injustice are everywhere. People hurt themselves and hurt those around them. Nations war, captives are taken, the innocent suffer, and the earth itself rages with tempests, earthquakes, floods, and famine.

This is the residue of sin on planet earth. Things are broken. People are hurting. The night is here. Darkness is upon us. Yet shining in the night is a Savior, and He has come to shine on you. In fact, Scripture says that He gives His light to all who trust in Him.”

From Isaiah 9

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned. You have enlarged the nation and increased their joy; they rejoice before you as people rejoice at the harvest, as warriors rejoice when dividing the plunder . . . For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:2-3,6

Your PEACE and ‘Shalom’ in times of unrest is Emmanuel…God With Us.  Accept His Grace and enjoy the beauty and dangers as you enter the river of Grace.