I went to bed last night mourning the senseless deaths of innocent people. I went to bed feeling less safe and more vulnerable. The wold is a dark place and evil lurks. And it is easy to allow fear to creep into my heart.

But in the midst of my mourning, in the middle my vulnerability, right in the center of my fear, I hear God whispering, “HOPE!” In times like these, we must turn our eyes to our Savior and trust He is faithful. What the enemy meant to destroy the people of France, to create fear and chaos throughout the world, to intimidate us, we must have a HOPE God will turn around for His good. We must continue to have an expectation of good.

So join me this morning in not just praying for Paris but also declaring over Paris. Yes, let’s pray for healing for the wounded, comfort for those who lost a loved one, and peace in their hearts. But let us declare God’s will over Paris. Let’s declare that the people of this city would feel and know the presence of the Lord. Let’s declare the Holy Spirit would come in like a flood and bring comfort, hope and a turning of the hearts. Let’s declare the people of France would know and discern the love of God. The people of this city would experience the miraculous power of God. Let’s declare this city would experience a revival. Let’s declare in the midst of this tragedy, many will give their hearts to God. Let’s declare this city known for romantic love will be known for its agape love. Let’s declare God’s will be done in Paris; heaven on earth in Paris.

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. (Lamentations 3:19-26 NIV)