Gun violence in the United States is horrific. Nearly 100,000 people are victims of gun violence each year; of these, nearly 40 000 die—22,000 by suicide and 13,000 by homicide. Yet statistics do not begin to capture the heartache, loss of productivity, and contributions deceased people could make to our world. It leads thoughtful people to cry, “Lord, how long?” “How long?” This was also Habakkuk’s cry, a prophet in his day. We read this in Habakkuk chapter 1, “How long, O LORD, must I call for help? But you do not listen! ‘Violence is everywhere!’ I cry, but you do not come to save. Must I forever see these evil deeds? Why must I watch all this misery? Wherever I look, I see destruction and violence.” “The law has become paralyzed, and there is no justice in the courts.” God’s answer to the prophet went something like this: Don’t think I am ignorant of what is going on. I have a plan and in my own time and way, I will execute judgment and justice. Just be patient and wait. Today, God calls us to work for the elimination of injustice. At the same time, He reminds us that His all-seeing eye will bring justice in His own time.
