I don’t like reading the news. Too many bad things happen.
I put my hands over my ears and sing “la la la” when someone brings up news of crime in my neighborhood. I don’t want to hear about attacks or robberies or deaths or carjackings or abductions. I’d rather bury my head in the sand, oblivious to the evil in the world. Call me naïve, ignorant, or uninformed, but I’m usually content to be blissfully unaware of the happenings around me. (Yes, I know this is generally a poor life choice.)
But I also know it’s nearly impossible to ignore the evil in the world. Articles fill our newsfeeds, no matter how many people we unfollow. It can be hard to stay hopeful when confronted with the evil in this world. We know that this world (us included) will be made perfect on the Last Day, but until then, we can rest in that hope.
So let’s take our heads out of the sand and turn our faces upward toward God. Here are a few Bible verses to help us do just that!
Psalm 62:2
He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.
When we ground our hope in Christ, we are not as shaken when we encounter evil. We are not promised that we won’t be shaken at all, but we will “not be greatly shaken” because our happiness and hope is rooted in Christ, not in anything transient on this earth.
Romans 8:35
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
Blessedly, Christ’s love and salvation does not rely on anything except Himself. So when we are confronted with trouble, challenges, or evil, we can rest confidently, knowing that the love of Christ is not dependent on our earthly circumstances.
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Even though our world is constantly changing (sometimes for the worse), our Lord is the same. He has been the same from the creation of the world and will stay the same forever. What comfort we can find in this steadfastness!
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love Him.
Despite trials that we may face, we are called “blessed” if we remain steadfast. We can look forward to the crown of life we will receive when God calls us home to live with Him in perfection!
1 Peter 5:10
And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Here’s another verse that keeps our focus on our future glory in heaven, where we will be restored and strengthened by Christ! Rejoice in this truth when you feel that the world is filled with evil.
What verses do you turn to for hope?
