What do we do in a world full of evil, wickedness, and deceit? Should we get anxious and be worried? I believe we have good reason to. Should we ignore the evil going on around us and pretend like it doesn’t exist? I’ll admit sometimes I would like to. Should we give up hope and stop trying ourselves to do what is right because we see the wicked prospering?
I believe there is still hope for humanity but it starts with us. Let’s look at 5 steps of action we can take when it seems despair is trying to overtake us during evil times. Keep in mind that our hope is not in this world but in Christ alone.
- Do not be worried by those who are evil or want what they have. It’s hard to see wicked people prospering and looking like they have everything we wish we had. But this is not how we should look at it. This world and all the money in it will pass away sooner than we realize. Where we spend eternity is what truly matters not the things of this world. Worrying will not add a single day to your life or help in any situation. Rest in God’s peace and security by taking the next step. In Matthew 6: 34 Jesus says, “so do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
- Trust in the Lord and do good. This means don’t just partially trust that the Lord is faithful and can handle any situation but trust Him fully. Focus on doing good by encouraging and being a blessing to others. We are called to be Jesus’ hands and feet. This means when we see someone in need, we don’t just sit back and say somebody needs to do something. We don’t just say I’ll pray for you to someone and forget to later. It means the time is now to pray for someone in the moment and do what we can now to help their current situation!
- Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. What does this mean? It means to actively pursue a relationship with Him. The more you learn about Him through His word, the more you can’t help but be thankful for His loving-kindness and find a peace that only He can give. Once we do this we are promised the desires of our heart will be met.
- Commit yourself to the Lord and trust Him. Even if the closest people in your lives (including those you admire) begin to do evil, we should stand firm and keep doing what is right. This takes courage and a tenacious mindset that you will serve God no matter what. If you want an example of someone who accomplished this, look at the book of Job to see what he experienced and how he responded.
- Be still and wait patiently while refraining from anger and getting even. Refrain from anger means to stop working yourself up and replaying the evil situation over and over again in your mind. Don’t do anything rashly without giving it some prayerful thought. In Matthew 5:44 Jesus says “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Why do you ask? Because the ability to love your enemies is what separates us from unbelievers. Pray that they would come to know Christ and turn from their wicked schemes. When you do this your heart steers clear from harboring bitterness and keeping you from a joy-filled life.
The Lord is a faithful and just God. Those who do evil and wicked things will be punished by God. Our task is not to be anxious, condemn, or get even with them. Our task is to remain hopeful in God, do good despite our emotions, and even pray for them. Psalm 37:9-10 says, “those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.”
Yes, it’s easy to give up hope especially in our circumstances. But we are not weak people. We were meant to be courageous and God will give us strength and wisdom when we ask. He is our hope and our tower of refuge and strength. He brings peace to the minds and hearts of those who are troubled. He blesses those who hope and love Him.
A Prayer for You
Lord Jesus, thank You for being a just God. Thank You for giving me the desires of my heart as I delight in You. I pray that my enemies will come to know You and turn from their evil schemes. I pray also that America will elect a President who will accomplish Your will. I pray that even the hardest of hearts would soften and turn to You. I pray that You would give me peace that surpasses all understanding as I place my trust in You. In Jesus’ name, amen!
Scripture
Do not fret because of those who are evil or be envious of those who do wrong; for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord , and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord ; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming. The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
Psalm 37:1-15