Biblical Truths for the Christian Mother Standing Against Darkness  

What can I do? What can I do when my heart feels so heavy? What can I do when I am facing such tragedy day in and day out. What can I do with all of this wrath and sorrow? Every time I turn on the news or log on to social media there is darkness. A plague of evil attempting to infect us all. 

Do I demand retribution for the endless injustices in this world? Call for war against the enemy? Do I know who the enemy is? Is justice mine to serve? 

These are questions I am not qualified to answer. A worldly answer would mention hoping our law enforcement and justice system work as they are meant to. But what about the spirit? What about my soul that is wrestling with these ugly disturbances? 

Once again, I am unqualified to answer that question. There is only one being that is qualified to give me the answers I so desperately seek. He is omnipotent, He is omniscient, He is truth and light and goodness. He is God, He is where I will find my answers. Blessedly for me and many other believers, He lovingly and graciously gave us an entire book filled with answers to my questions. 

My bible should be one of the first places I turn to when my soul is grievously overwhelmed. So what exactly are the truths the Bible tells me about the burdens afflicting my soul? 

1. We are living in a fallen world because we are fallen creatures. Ephesians 6:10-12 tells us “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”  Genesis 3:23 states “So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken.” Since the days of Eden, sin has cursed the world and we humans, fallen from grace. We are living in a broken world full of broken people. The tragedies of our world are sadly to be expected. We will encounter heartache and evil here. That doesn’t mean we must turn a blind eye to the tragedies of our world, only that we should not be blind-sided by them. 

2. God has already won the war. Jesus says in John 16:33 ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”” Revelation 11:15 tells us “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever.”” We are again warned of the troubles we will face, but Jesus himself comforts us with peace by reminding us that the evil that haunts us has already been defeated. Although we must endure the trials of this world, in the end good will prevail. 

3. Earth is our temporary home. 2 Corinthians 5:1 states “For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.”  Hebrews 13:14 similarly says  “For here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.” Our time here will be but a breath in our eternity. Let’s do our best to ensure our breathing is God honoring.  

4. Christians are going to be hated and persecuted. John 15:18-19 tells us “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” Matthew 5:10-12 also states “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” We are given a clear understanding that we as Christian’s are going to face our share of hatred and persecution. We can consider ourselves blessed in knowing that we have a savior that can relate to us so deeply because He experienced the full extent of ignorant hatred and unrighteous persecution. We must persevere in righteousness and the pursuit of Heaven. 

5. We can have righteous anger, but we are not to sin. Ephesians 4:26 says ““In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” In Matthew 21:12-13 we see an example of righteous anger. “Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. “It is written,” he said to them, “ ‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’ but you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”” Jesus knew anger, the same as any human, yet he did not sin. He refused to let a holy dwelling of God be perverted into a cesspit of sin. As Christians, we are not called to passively ignore the sins of our world. But, we are called to act in righteousness, be a light for others, and lovingly stand against sin. 

6. Judgement and justice are God’s to serve. Ecclesiastes 3:17 tells us  “I said to myself, “God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.”” Hebrews 10:30 says “For we know him who said, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”” Romans 12:19 explicitly states “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.” Does this mean that we are not to have any sort of judicial protocol to protect ourselves here on earth? I don’t think so. I’m sure a theologian or pastor can offer much more insight on this topic than I can. But we do need to bear in mind that ultimate judgement and justice belongs to God alone. And it is a judgement and justice that we will all face. 

7. God knows and understands all. Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us ““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.” The Lord himself speaks to Job in Job 38-41 asking him to answer the questions that only one as mighty as our Lord can answer.  ““Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Tell me, if you know all this. Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth? Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him! Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself?”  (Job 38:2, 4, 33, 40:2, 8) Proverbs 3:5 reminds us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;” We are told not to rely on what we think we know. Our great Lord is the only one who knows everything. We are not capable of nor should we attempt to understand His ways for they are far above ours. We are to simply give Him our trust. 

8. We are not meant to carry the weight of the world. Psalms 55:22 tells us to “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” And Psalms 68:19 “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens.” The Lord will lovingly carry the weight of our burdens for us if we ask it of Him. We are called to help one another carry the heavy burdens we all face as stated in Galatians 6:2  “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” But as we support one another through our hardships, those hardships can be lifted off of our shoulders and placed on God’s. Such graciousness our God gifts to us. 

9. Satan is the real enemy. In Luke 10:18-19 Jesus speaks. “He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.” John 10:10 says this of Satan. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” It is at times difficult to apply this thinking when we are feeling hurt. But, we are not to view our fellow humans with hatred, but should turn that hatred into wrathful fuel against our real enemy. How dare Satan get his evil, demented claws into one of God’s children! For we must remember, that is exactly what they are. A brother or sister that is lost. 

10. We are called to stand against evil. Galatians 6:1 tells us “if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” Similarly, 1 Timothy 5:20 also states “As for those who persist in sin, rebuke them in the presence of all, so that the rest may stand in fear.” Both of these passages call Christians to call out sin. We are not to passively sit and ignore sin that boasts boldly before our eyes. I believe the Holy Spirit convicts each of us differently, but Galatians 6:1 reminds us to do so gently. Gently doesn’t mean any less bold as both gentleness and boldness can work together cohesively. I suppose many of us are still sorting out what this looks like for us, but nonetheless feel convicted to stand more courageously and confident in professing the truth of the gospel than perhaps we’ve been in the past. 

11. God turns evil to good. Romans 8:28 says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Joseph tells his brothers in Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” What a comfort to carry with us. Our God will work evil for good in His time. 

12. God will not be mocked. Galatians 6:7 warns us “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” Psalms 94:3-4, 15, 23 says “How long, Lord, will the wicked, how long will the wicked be jubilant? They pour out arrogant words; all the evildoers are full of boasting. Judgment will again be founded on righteousness, and all the upright in heart will follow it. He will repay them for their sins and destroy them for their wickedness; the Lord our God will destroy them.” We have a loving, generous, forgiving Father, but He will not tolerate being mocked. The wicked will be punished and face His wrath. We should not wish this on anyone and plead for their repentance as Jesus would. But if the lost wishes to remain lost, this is what they shall face. 

13. We are called to do good. Ephesians 2:10 speaks on this truth. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Galatians 6:9-10 also reminds us “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Romans 12:21 again says “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” As God’s people we are called to never tire of doing good. No matter how tired our souls may become, serving goodness should still be a priority. 

14. Only Jesus can offer us the comfort and peace we crave. In Matthew 11:28-30 Jesus comforts us. ““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””Again in  Jesus offers us peace.  “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Psalm 34:18 reminds us that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” We are offered relief for our worries in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Through sorrow, anxiety, weariness, and other troubles, the Lord is with us to see us though it and give us peace and comfort that transcends anything this world could offer us. 

Other verses of scripture can be referenced to gain further clarity on the topics mentioned above. 

So to now answer my earlier question, “what can I do?” I can turn to my faithful, loving, almighty God. I can pray. And man do I pray. I invite Him into my soul to sort me out. I can read my bible. I can read God’s word to both inform me and bring me peace. I can rely on the Holy Spirit to convict me and lead me to God honoring action. I can place my trust and hope in God. 

I’m no expert. I didn’t study theology and I am not a pastor. I am simply a mother who wants to be a loving example to my children and a light to others in this dark world. I am also not claiming that I am a master of my emotions. Lord knows I am far from without flaw. But I read my bible and I pray to God so that whether I am celebrating or grieving, I try very hard to do so in a manner that honors and glorifies God. 

““You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:13-16 

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 

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Lord, 

My heart is heavy and my soul is weary. I feel lost in a haze of warring emotions. I am so grateful that You gifted us with Your word. I only need to read my bible to be settled and confident in the way I should go. I am so thankful that I do not have to carry the weight of this world and I am full of sorrow that You do Lord. I am sorry for our brokenness, yet I am undeniably grateful that You love us in spite of it. Forgive us Lord, for our endless sinning. I pray for Your people, Lord. I pray that we would turn to You at all times and work to be the salt and light of this world as You’ve called us to be. I pray for the lost, Lord. I pray that they will find their way to You and that they will be open to hearing the truth that only comes from You, God. Please be near to the brokenhearted and hold them tightly in your loving embrace. Please be with the fearful Lord. Surround them with your consoling reassurance. Please be with those of us working to speak Your truth more boldly. Fill us with us with your mighty strength. You are good, God. You have always been good and always will be. 

In Jesus’ name I pray, 

Amen