The world is now in shock, mourning the victims of last night’s deadly shooting. It was a truly “dark night”; one that centers around the release of the new movie “The Dark Knight Rises.”

All of us who were not present in that fateful theater feel today extremely sorrowful for those who have been lost, and heartbroken at the tragedy that now surrounds their legacy and their families. We are certainly all today holding our loved ones closer.

We are also today fighting with another thought that is begging entrance into our minds. There is now an enemy that is knocking on the door of our souls. Its name is fear.

It brings with it hopelessness, dread of tomorrow, and distrust in our fellow man. As we let it gain entrance and presence in our thoughts, it will grow and gain foothold. We can’t let fear move in and become our constant roommate, even though its presence is pervading our eyes, ears, and hearts today.

These circumstances of yesterday are trying to take a feeling of security and strength away from us, but God has told us that He is our strength and shield (Ps 28:7), and I have this hope as an anchor for my soul, firm and secure (Heb 6:19).

That is the bottom line. This is the truth — that He is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, in whom I take refuge, and in whom is a place of safety (Ps 18:2). Do we believe His Word? I do! I choose to trust Him now in this day in which we live. I choose to pray for those who do awful things to others, and I choose to believe that God is to me the strong Father and protector that the Word says He is (Heb 11:6).

James 4:8 says “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (ESV).” If the events of yesterday are to effect anything about our tomorrows, let it be that we draw closer to God. Times like these make us realize the importance of having a close relationship with Him. Most importantly, so that we know that no matter what man may do to us here on Earth, we have a home with Him in Heaven. (If you would like to know this confidently for yourself, click here for a simple prayer to pray).

Also, times like these make us realize that we should be close to the Father so that we may be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit — that we may be led by His guidance. He will lead you out of harm, and give you warnings of danger, and in fact is doing so every day — it is just that so many times we are too busy and are not listening. We have to be in constant communion with Him so that when He speaks, we will know His voice. We must have a relationship with Him to recognize His conversation.

Times like these make us realize that we should never put our confidence in man, only in God. Proverbs 29:25 says “Fearing people is a dangerous trap, but trusting the Lord means safety. (NLT)”. These times also make it so clear to us everything that truly matters, and everything that doesn’t. 1 Corinthians 13:13 says that when it comes down to it all, in the very end, all that will remain is faith, hope, and love. These are the very opposite of fear. Let faith be the fruit through which you live your life, even today, instead of fear.

I say to you now what Jesus said to the disciples, and to all of us by the Spirit, in John 6:19-20: “They were terrified, but He called out to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am here’ (NLT)”, and also in Mark 5:36 “Don’t be afraid; just believe (NIV).”

I take to heart the comfort of Jesus’ words in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; My own peace I now give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. Stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled. (AMP)”

When we are afraid, let’s put our trust in God. “In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56: 3,4 ESV)

Fear is the opposite of faith; it is the opposite of the heart of our Father God. Let’s fight against it with the Word today. Let the light of God’s word break through the darkness of fear.

Here are some scriptures from God’s Word on fear. I pray that they would encourage and bring strength to you. Don’t forget also to pray for strength and peace to the victim’s families and loved ones in the days and weeks to come.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.” Romans 8:38 NLT

“He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord.” Psalm 112:7

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 NLT

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

“The angel of the Lord encaps around those who fear him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7 ESV

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 ESV

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me.” Psalm 23:4 NIV

“The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1 NIV

“Such love has no fear, because perfect love expels all fear. If we are afraid, it is for fear of punishment, and this shows that we have not fully experienced His perfect love.” 1 John 4:18 NLT

Last, but not least, is my favorite passage of scripture for protection, and that is Psalm 91. I would recommend reading it over many times, and confessing it out loud. Even put your name in there — whenever it says ‘you’, say “me”, and so on. Store it deep in your spirit this way so that it will be there to call on in the times you need it most.

“1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I trust him. 3 For He will rescue you from every trap and protect you from deadly disease. 4 He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. 5 Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day. 6 Do not dread the disease that stalks in darkness, nor the disaster that strikes at midday. 7 Though a thousand fall at your side, though ten thousand are dying around you, these evils will not touch you. Just open your eyes, and see how the wicked are punished. 9 If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, 10 no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home. 11 For he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go. 12 They will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone. 13 You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! 14 The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. 15 When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. 16 I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” Psalm 91