Words fail.

While watching television news coverage of the bomb blasts that shook Boston on Monday, I can only sit and stare.

Words fail to describe the knot in the gut as photographs of the injured flash on the screen, as I learn three people lost their lives, countless others lay in hospitals.

Words fail as I try to grasp the level of hatred and desperation that would cause any creation of our loving God to take such action.

The only words that make sense today are “Why”, “Who”, “Where next”.

The only words I can utter are “Please, Lord…..”

“Protection, Lord……”

“Healing, Lord……”

“Punish them, Lord.”

And words fail as I think of the Son who is making plans to move to this Eastern city in just over four months. Our visit to Boston last fall was a delight and my son fell in love with the city, with the school he plans to attend. We walked streets leading to the marathon path. Marathon day is a holiday in Boston and I have no doubt that, were he living in Boston this spring, he would have been in that crowd watching the big race. He plans to be there next spring.

So what do we do? Do we recoil in fear? We have sons living in other major cities — Chicago and Nashville. Do I call them home (as if I could) and keep them close? Do I tell my youngest “No. Stay close”?

I am reminded again of words my Lord and Savior spoke as I lay sleepless several months ago, close to allowing fear to rob me of an opportunity to serve Him on the mission field.

“Who do you trust?”

Those words that do not fail — that “still, small voice” — echo as I pray on this day after.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall. But you, O God, will bring down the wicked into the pit of corruption; bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out half their days.

But as for me, I trust in you.” Psalm 55:22-23