Daily Devotional – September 11, 2026
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” -John 8:12
It was a bright, early morning, 25 years ago, as Aimee and I were in the car on our way to work. We had only been married for a few months. We both worked at the First United Methodist Church of Altus. We decided to grab breakfast at McDonald’s that morning. As we waited in line for our food, we heard the people on the radio talking. One person said, “It looks like something has happened at the World Trade Towers. We are not sure what, but it looks like a bomb or something.” That was, of course, the confused conversation of a people who had no idea what the rest of that day would hold for us. We did not know that would be the first of four hijacked aircraft that would strike in New York, Washington, D.C., and Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
By the time we arrived at work, it was clear that something awful was happening. Shortly after the first plane hit Tower 1, another plane had struck Tower 2, and we knew this was more than a terrible accident. For the rest of the day, our eyes were fixed on the only T.V. in the church. We watched as the world turned upside down. We were scared, worried, anxious, and angry. I vividly remember that day.
It is important for us not to forget the tragedy of 9/11. Today is a day to remember. We remember the 2,977 victims. We remember that they had families, friends, co-workers, and neighbors. We also remember how our world changed after that day. We also remember the young women and men who went to war; many of them did not return home. We remember all who served and give thanks.
Today, I want to encourage us to consider our faith and how we are called to respond in the face of such a dark and terrible tragedy.
We are called to remember, but our past and our future should be illuminated by the light of Christ. As a people of faith, we remember that in the midst of darkness, God offers us the light of hope. This hope allows us to move forward without bitterness, anger, worry, or fear. Those emotions rob us and our world of the life God intends for His children. Let us not hold onto the emotions we all experienced that day, but take them to God in prayer, seeking comfort and strength from our Heavenly Father.
Finally, as we remember, I encourage you to pray for peace. The kingdom of God is a kingdom of peace. Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5: 9) Violence is all around us. War is still present in our world. As a people of faith, let us go to our source of light and hope and pray for peace.
May this peace begin in our own hearts and overflow into our world.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 4:6-7
-Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
