"I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." - C.S. Lewis
As time goes on, around the world things are seemingly getting more and more chaotic. Crimes and shootings that no one can make sense of are happening, and things seem to be outside any realm of control. No matter what beliefs, morals or value one holds, more and more people seem to be facing the fear of not knowing what tragedy might come next. With all of the craziness and chaos interrupting everyday life, it seems like God is no where to be found and that darkness has taken over. Yet still He is there.
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5, ESV)
Darkness can seem endless, and it is much too easy to get lost in it. But there is still a light shining, and where there is light there cannot be darkness. Even when chaos surrounds, He is still there working in His sovereignty in every and any circumstance. And if that is the only hope there is to hang onto, then that is still enough. There is still a God, and He is still in control. And when you allow that to be your sun in which you see the world around you, things start to look a lot brighter.
The terror in the world is overwhelming, and having fear and anxiety is a common reaction to tragedies. "Fear and trembling come upon me, and horror overwhelms me."
(Psalm 55:5, ESV). Thousands of years ago, the author of the ancient
text describes the weight of what many people are feeling today.
However, in the very next chapter in the book of Psalms it reads, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?" (Psalm
56:3-4, ESV). There is a God in whom the tragedies of the world can be
trusted to, who is still in control active and working in every
situation. By seeing Him working, one can see and have peace with
everything else.
I am not encouraging changing your worldview and seeing the world through rose-colored glasses. There is so much brokenness in the world. The tragedies that are all over the news today should be recognized as well as grieved. And if, as an individual, you hope to have any sort of positive impact on this hurting humanity, then you are going to have to recognize the pain people are facing. Reach out to someone broken-hearted, serve in the city you are in, and pray for those who are victims to events like shootings as well as their families. Lastly, acknowledge the fact that this isn't a battle between good and evil, light and dark. The light will shine in the darkness each and every day, and the darkness has not and will not overcome it.
