Do Not Fret, Do Not Worry (About the Darkness of the World)

Do Not Fret, Do Not Worry (About the Darkness of the World)

In mainstream Christian circles there seems to be a preoccupation with how the world has strayed away from its Creator – the LORD God Almighty who is the Light for those who follow him. But the world continues to fall further into darkness. And those in darkness don’t even know they are in the wrong. Proverbs 4:19 says, “The path of the righteous is like the morning sun, shining brighter till the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know what makes them stumble.” (NIV, New International Version). Many of those in the light seem overly concerned about how the world is deceived into a path that is contrary to God’s plan. The wrongful ways of the world are seen on various news sources, in social media, universities and public schools. It is seen in the political arena and in the film and television industry, and even in many churches.

But as followers of the LORD God, of Jesus the Christ, we are not to fret or worry. The Psalmist wrote, “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself of the one who prospers in his way, over the [one] who carries out evil devices.” (NLT, New Living Translation uses the word “worry.”) The Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (NIV)

There are those living a life in opposition of God who accuse the Christ-follower of being a hater just for disagreeing with their opinion or lifestyle. Jesus warned his followers this would happen. “If the world hate you, keep in my 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.” John 15:18-19 (NIV)

Waiting on the LORD God and presenting our requests to him is good – it is how we abide with him and his love. But some Christians may believe that’s all we are to do – wait and pray. There are many injustices in the world. Jesus was a champion for those who suffered injustice. He healed those who were sick – both physically and spiritually (Matthew 8). He stood up for the woman who was accused of adultery (John 8) [Keep in mind, he did not condone adultery; he stood against those who were also in the wrong, the woman’s accusers.] There are ways in today’s world the Christ-follower can stand up against injustice. As Jesus demonstrated one-on-one, we too can interact with one person at a time or even as a group – a homeless person or persons, in the courts, with the pen, or with corporate prayer (to name a few). The latter was seen quite effective during the waning years of the Cold War in late 1980s when Pastor Christian Fuhrer led the Peace Prayers in Leipzig Germany¹. They prayed for a unified Germany, and for peace. After the prayer meetings, crowds filled the streets in peaceful demonstration – not one bottle or rock was thrown, the demonstrators did not instigate violence. How many times do people, including the Christian, feel the need to act against injustice by the use of violence? Jesus came to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10), those who were trapped in a dark place. And he did it in a manner of peace – for he is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).

In the heart of the Christ-follower – in my own heart – may we not be preoccupied with the darkness of the world, especially to the point of feeling hopeless or violent. May we seek the LORD God, Jesus the Savior of the world, in prayer and patiently wait for his justice. May we seek out ways to be a light to a world of injustice in a manner of peace.

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Footnote

1.       “A Time to Speak Out – The Leipzig Citizen Protest and the Fall of East Germany” Wayne C. Bartee, Praeger Publishers, 2000