Many Americans are grieving right now.

Over the weekend, dozens of shoppers and city-goers lost their lives to mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso. Texans and Ohioans fear for their safety. And millions of people across our nation wrestle with heart-wrenching questions: Why would God let innocent people die? How can I find peace when everything’s falling apart?

While we ask these questions, we can look to God’s Word for answers. The Lord tells us that he can give us peace, even amid the worst, most violent days of our lives (Philippians 4:7). The Bible also tells us that God is with us no matter what (Deuteronomy 31:6). This doesn’t mean bad things won’t happen, but it does mean we can trust that God will always work things for our good (Romans 8:28). And when things feel anything but good, God sits with us and holds us as we cry (Psalm 34:18).

If your heart aches for America, take some time right now to read Psalm 142 and pray that God will bring peace to all in mourning.

Read through Psalm 142 as we pray for God’s peace.

I call to the LORD for help;

I plead with him.

I bring him all my complaints;


I tell him all my troubles.


When I am ready to give up,


he knows what I should do.


In the path where I walk,


my enemies have hidden a trap for me.


When I look beside me,


I see that there is no one to help me,


no one to protect me.


No one cares for me.

LORD, I cry to you for help;
you, LORD, are my protector;
you are all I want in this life.
Listen to my cry for help,
for I am sunk in despair.
Save me from my enemies;
they are too strong for me.
Set me free from my distress;
then in the assembly of your people I will praise you
because of your goodness to me.