The helicopters circled, whirring like angry mosquitoes. News of the terrorist attack at the mall stunned the nation. 

From our school on the hill, we watched smoke rising. One of our students, shot in the leg. A parent of a student, trapped inside. Panic exploded.  

But, like a steady drumbeat, the reassuring promise of God’s love resounded above the noise and confusion and fear. Gracious reminders of the promise of God’s love slowly softened the fear. Little by little, peace replaced panic.  

Creation whispered to me of God’s love in a pastel sunset, in a silent sunrise.  

The Psalms sang to me of God’s love—his unfailing love, his great love, his faithful love, his love that endures forever. 

Romans 8:38-39 reassured me of God’s powerful love: 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” 

He loves us now and He will love us through eternity. As days turned to years, God’s promised love brought healing. The fear that gripped me when I shopped lessened. The compulsion to always map an escape route lightened. The memories that surfaced when a helicopter droned overhead eased. 

When hearts and homes, ministries and dreams, health and happiness crumble into chaos, the promise of God’s love brings peace. Hold onto that promise, dear friend, for his love endures forever. His love for you endures forever!