When things are shaking, we naturally look for something to hold onto.
Not because it’s a quick fix, and not because doing other things isn’t important, but because uncertainty is scary. And we want to know we’re going to be ok. Even if it’s eventually.

I haven’t got faith completely figured out (not by a long shot), but I’ve called it my own for a while. And honestly, the fact that it’s sometimes, and I think too often, weaponized and used to prove a point or possibly prop up insecurity, is maddening and tragic. Because faith isn’t a static thing. It’s not a point on a scoreboard. It’s a trust to be placed. In something. Or better yet, in someone.

I think that’s where hope comes in. I choose to believe in faith that’s placed in God. A decision to trust that God exists. He’s real, not imaginary. Engaged, not distant. Concerned, not just observing.

As a part of my job, I help think through faith-related stuff with people in my media industry. And sometimes it’s hard. Because honestly, sometimes I don’t know.
Faith and not knowing aren’t opponents. Sometimes they’re held in the same hand.

The God I believe in is big. And this morning, I watched a big bridge, one I had driven over recently, collapse. Same hand. I don’t know why.
The God I believe in knows everything. And friends I’ve never met died today, driving. Same hand. Can’t explain it.
Is the dissonance tough? For sure. Especially when easy is so preferred. But life’s not easy, is it? Neither is skepticism. Neither is faith.

So, what do we do when everything starts moving? Maybe we trust. And reach for the thing, or one, in whom it’s placed.
And process the moment. Out loud.

“God, you know. When our minds and hearts are reeling, and they are, you know.
When words fail to describe what our eyes see and ears hear, and they do, you know.
Please, come close to Baltimore today.
Bring strength to searchers, comfort to families, and some kind of peace to us all.
We want and need something secure this morning. You know.
We’re going to believe that you are that something.
In your name. Amen.”

Psalm 46:1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.