Therefore

It has happened again.

Another terrorist attack.

We have seen too much of this in recent years.

This time it's Paris.

We grieve for the people of Paris.  For the lives lost.  For those who are left behind, without family members and friends.  For the destruction in that beautiful city.

We grieve.

We are angry that this has been allowed to happen again.

And we grow anxious.

This time it's Paris.  Where will it happen next? When will it happen next?

This time it's Paris.  Next time it might be us.

And our anxiety grows.

But we must remember.

Therefore.  That's the word we must remember.

It's there in Psalm 46, right between verses 1 and 2. 

Therefore is a word of conclusion. 

It's a word that says because this is true.

It's the word we need to hold on to.

When we grieve.  And when we are angry.  And especially when we are anxious.


"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea."  (Psalm 46:1-2 NASB, emphasis mine)