Things around us are changing ever faster these days. It’s hard to keep up with world events, much less understand the “whys” behind those events. Positions we’ve taken for granted on foundational issues such as gender, marriage, family, fairness, and even what constitutes “history” are being shaken. What is a Christian to do when we struggle to get our minds and hearts around the radical shifts in what our culture understands as right or wrong?
Let’s begin by reminding ourselves that fearful panic is not the appropriate response. Instead, we might turn to God’s input from Isaiah 50:10: “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of his servant? Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on their God.”
The darkness, confusion, and pain swirling around us may feel overwhelming. However, Christ-followers don’t have to understand what’s happening; we need to hold on to the truth that God does understand, even when we don’t. “Even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.” (Psalm 139:12)
God knows—and more than that, He can be trusted to fulfill His purposes and keep His promises. As Psalm 23:4 states, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” This absence of fear is not because of the absence of darkness, but rather because of the presence of the One who sees beyond the darkness.
Small children who wake up in the middle of the night in a dark room often cry out for mom or dad. They don’t need the parent to turn on a light. It is enough for mom and dad to take the child’s hand and assure him that they are present. May we, too, know and trust that God’s presence is enough. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)