The shocking events in Paris on Friday evening have reminded us just how easy it is, for those who are really determined, to penetrate a country’s defences. We’ve watched with a mixture of deep sadness and burning anger as the full horror of the various attacks comes to light through eye witness accounts and grainy mobile phone video footage. No wonder the people of Paris and beyond are still so nervous and jittery.

Not surprisingly, people are wondering whether attacks are being planned for London or elsewhere in Britain. Actually, we know the answer to that is ‘Yes’. Just today our Prime Minister David Cameron said: “Our security and intelligence services have stopped something like seven attacks in the last six months, albeit attacks planned on a smaller scale.”

It is undoubtedly true that our island status affords us some extra protection, making the smuggling of arms and explosives, and the prospect of escape following an attack, just that little bit harder than in mainland Europe. And perhaps our security and intelligence services are better resourced/more fortunate than their colleagues in some other countries. But we know that in today’s world, any determined murderer will probably be able to find a way to commit some kind of attack, even if on a small scale.

So am I scared? Am I concerned about travelling into London every day for work? In a word: No. My life is in God’s hands, not those of a terrorist.

The warped ideology and wicked actions of the terrorists will not go unpunished.

‘Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.’ (Galatians 6:7)

Those who were persuaded to blow themselves up thinking that some great reward awaited them have now found the very opposite to be the case. God is a God of justice who will demand an accounting from these wicked men for their dreadful actions, and I find that truth to be a great comfort at times like this.

‘“It is mine to avenge; I will repay”, says the Lord.’ (Romans 12:19, quoting Deuteronomy 32:35)