What to do when you feel overwhelmed about the blurred lines of morality? What to do when you feel grieved over the cross-pollination of good and evil, right and wrong, in our ever-changing culture?
There’s been so much media-attention recently concerning the political views and actions of the Right and the Left. There’s a presidential election on the horizon and no doubt the want for change is in the air. But beyond the political mudslinging, the push for postmodernism is stronger than ever. “What is right? What is wrong? Who’s to tell?” goes the relativist propaganda. This is partly the reason for the disturbing images we’ve been exposed to recently on the news and social media. So what’s the answer?
When I feel overcome by evil in the world, I practice these things:
(1) I pray to God to help my unbelief that He is truly good and sovereign over every minute detail of the universe and my life.
For example,
“Lord, you are a good good Father and you know how emotionally delicate I am. Help me to trust that you know how much stress I can handle as I stand as a light in this dark world. You promise to not let my light be extinguished in the winds of change.”
(2) I read scripture, particularly passages that talk about empowerment against evil and fear.
For example,
“Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good” (Rom 12:21, NLT).
“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” (Phil 4:6-7, NIV).
“Haven’t I commanded you: be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh 1:9, HCSB).
“There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love” (1 Jn 4:18, KJV).
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind” (2 Tim 1:7, NKJV).
(3) Have someone I trust pray for me, in person and on their own.
(4) Surround myself with spiritually uplifting praise music.
(5) Get out into nature. Surrounding myself with God’s creation and seeing firsthand the imprint of His love and grace on, say, flowers, as well as His finely-tuned design of life rejuvenates me and inspires me to believe that He’s truly the Creator and Designer of my destiny.
(6) Love others! I find that when I’m engulfed with fear, the best medicine is to receive love from my heavenly Father and then to love others. This act of faith fulfills our nature to perpetually give-and-receive love.
So, next time you’re feeling overcome by the darkness of this world, remember to pray, read scripture, have others intercede for you, listen to praise music, stroll into nature, and love others.