Finding Peace in a World of Evil: Biblical Responses to Darkness

In response to tragedies, many are using the theological word "evil" to describe what's happening in our world. This isn't just unfortunate or bad - evil is a theological concept describing behavior or attitudes that are wicked and demonic with intent to cause harm. It's the contradiction of God's biblical standard of good.

As C.S. Lewis wisely noted, "A man does not call a line crooked unless he has some idea of a straight line." If we recognize evil, we must also acknowledge there is Divine good. Our hope is that people will see the crooked lines of this world and be drawn to the straight line of Jesus.


How Should Christians Respond to Evil in the World?

When faced with the darkness around us, Scripture offers clear guidance on how believers should respond:

1. Realize the Days Are Evil

We're not in heaven yet. We're living in a fallen world where Satan is described as "the prince of the air" and "the prince of darkness." As Eph. 6:12 reminds us, "We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers and authorities, against cosmic powers over this present darkness, against spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places."

Ephesians 5 instructs us to "look carefully on how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making use of your time, because the days are evil." We're not in a playground - we're in a battleground.


2. Pray Even for Our Enemies

In Matthew 5, Jesus teaches us to "love your enemies and pray for your enemies." Prayer is what Charles Spurgeon called "the slender nerve that moves the muscle of omnipotence." God can change people's lives through our prayers. God can take an assassin and make them a believer - just as He transformed Saul into Paul. This doesn't mean there shouldn't be consequences, but we pray for transformation.

Our prayer cycle should last longer than the news cycle. When the media moves on to the next story, we continue praying for those affected by tragedy.


3. Stand Strong and Bold in the Midst of Evil

1 Cor. 16 instructs us to "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." We're called to combine strength with kindness - just as Jesus demonstrated the strength to die on the cross with the kindness to say, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do."

A.W. Tozer said, "A scared world needs a fearless church." We can be fearless because "greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). The church is called to declare God's strength through salvation in Jesus Christ.


4. Trust, Not Worry

In Matthew 6:25-34, Jesus repeatedly tells us not to worry. Wasting time on worry leads to a weary life. Studies show that 85-90% of the things we worry about never happen, and if they do, they rarely happen the way we worried they would. Jesus reminds us that God cares for the birds and clothes the flowers - how much more will He care for us? Our Heavenly Father knows what we need before we even ask.


How Can We Stop Worrying and Trust God?

When anxiety threatens to overwhelm us, here's an action plan:

  • Prioritize the King and His Kingdom every day. Be in God's Word before checking email or social media. Pray before getting out of bed.
  • Battle back evil by living a life that prioritizes good. Dwell on the straight line (God's truth) so you can understand the crooked line (the world's falsehood).
  • Pray to believe what is true, not what you feel. Feelings can deceive, but God's Word is truth.
  • Read Scripture daily. If you don't know where to start, begin with Matthew.
  • Have trusted people in your life you can talk with.
  • Trust that today's grace is sufficient for today's trouble. Don't borrow trouble from tomorrow.

As Romans 12:9 instructs, "Let love be without hypocrisy, detest what is evil and cling to what is good."


Life Application

This week, identify your top three worries and intentionally surrender them to God. When anxious thoughts arise, practice immediately turning to prayer and Scripture rather than dwelling on your concerns.

Ask Yourself:

  • Am I spending more time consuming news and social media than I am in God's Word?
  • What practical steps can I take to "seek first the kingdom of God" each day?
  • How might my perspective change if I truly believed God will provide everything I need?

Though the world grows darker, remember that Jesus will return, Satan will be defeated, and believers will experience a new heaven and earth. Until then, we're called to be light in the darkness - weeping with those who weep, mourning with those who mourn, and walking in the power of Jesus Christ.

The victory is already secured. The straight line will ultimately triumph over every crooked line in this world.

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Listen to Reading the Owner's Manual: How to Grow Faith and Shrink Fear by Pastor Gregg Matte on Sun, Sep 21, 2025.