Words fail us. Explanations, even though we eagerly seek them, will never be able to reverse what has happened. In times like these, it is a comfort that we do not always need to rely upon our own words to express our emotions. In times like these, it is a comfort to turn to the words of the psalms. Part prayer-book, part hymnal, the psalms express the depths of sorrow and the heights of redemption. These words, ones of both anger and hope, are taken from Psalms 74, 75, and 85:
O God, remember your congregation, which you acquired long ago. Have regard for your covenant, for the dark places of the land are full of the haunts of violence. Your foes have roared within your holy place; they set up their emblems there. They said to themselves, "We will utterly subdue them". But it is God who executes justice, putting down one and lifting up another. For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup with foaming wine, well mixed. God will pour a draught from it and the wicked of the earth shall drain it down to the dregs ... Lord, you were favorable to your land, restore us again, O God of our salvation. Will you not revive us again, so that your people may rejoice in you? Let me hear what the Lord will speak ... God speaks peace to Her people, to Her faithful, to those who turn to Her in their hearts. Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet. Righteousness and peace will kiss each other. Faithfulness will spring up from the ground, and righteousness will look down from the sky.