In youth we sometimes imagine that we must comment on every world event, but through experience we learn that no one needs our opinion on everything! There is both a time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). One of the chief things we all can do when we hear bad news and evil reports is immediately turn those things and people into prayer. We must learn to take every emotion and experience and lead them into the holy presence of Almighty God.

James tells us to be “swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). But connect that with Paul’s encouragement, “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12). When we hear difficult reports our first response should not be to tell everyone or speak about it to others – it should be to talk about it to the One who can change it. Praying Christians are God’s first responders!

Over the last few days we have all be grieved by reports from across our nation and burdened by the tragedy unfolding before our eyes in Afghanistan. Our hearts hurt for hurting people. But, what can we do?

We can pray. God is both here and there. He is always near and always able. Remember that your prayers can go where you cannot and God can do what is out of our control. When your ears are filled with sad reports, your mind is filled with hard thoughts, and your heart is filled with overwhelming emotion – run to Jesus! “Instant in prayer.”

I don’t know if it is some personal burden, a national issue, or a world conflict that is pressing on you today. Whatever it is, allow it to press you to the Lord. Take it to God in prayer. Let intercession become your first response.