Can you watch the news without getting depressed? It’s mostly violence, lies, pride, death, selfishness, jealously, misogyny, idolatry, hatred, sickness, and the list can go on. In light of the many issues that have faced us lately, the weight of this present world has led to a lot of questions in my mind. Some of the primary questions that continue to surface are “Lord, when are you coming?” “How can church leaders say these things?” “Do we really love you and your people?”

I feel like an alien in this world. One can turn on the nightly news and truly get depressed. Sin is wreaking havoc and I find myself sad and lonely. I don’t fit in with liberals and I don’t fit in with conservatives. But we must draw from Scripture to encourage us. As born again believers, we will feel the weight of this world. But, be of good cheer! The Lord Jesus Christ is on the throne. He is in heaven and there will be a new Jerusalem (Rev. 21). I have drawn two principles from scripture that can encourage us on the road to our home.

The Lord is In Control

Psalm 23:1 – “The Lord is my shepherd. I shall not want.” The word for shepherd conveys the notion of “to feed, graze, tend.” A shepherd leads his flock. Sheep are directionless animals that are helpless and are in need of a shepherd. The Bible refers to us as sheep. We are sheep in need of a shepherd. If we are left without a shepherd, havoc breaks loose.

The shepherd knows, cares, and provides for his sheep. The sheep are never in want because the shepherd has provided everything the sheep need. In light of the life’s events, know that the Lord is in control. When you are tempted to become discouraged, believe the Lord has had the final word.

As we see all the sin that is taking place, we must place our firm confidence and trust in the Lord. David had a firm trust in the providential hand of the Lord. We may not know the full reason why God allows some of life’s events, but we must trust him. Are you trusting the Lord?

The Lord Will Protect His People

Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me.” The Lord is always with his people. We may walk through some of the darkest times in life, and see some of the darkest moments. Even when those dark days present themselves, we must press forward. David had some dark seasons in his life, but yet he feared no evil because God was with Him. David affirms his full confidence in the Lord.

This is encouragement for believers. Despite the evil that is present, God protects his people. God does not leave his people to face the world by themselves. He won’t allow you to avoid the difficult days, but He will help you through them. How have you seen the Lord’s presence in your life?

Throughout all of the sin in the world, we must remember to trust in the Lord. Sin seeks to separate and divide us. But it is the gospel that unites us.  The gospel unites people who may never come in contact, but who are united to wage war against sin and proclaim the glorious name of Jesus Christ. The state of the world is only a reminder for us that this world is a place that we should not be too comfortable.

As I reflect, I am convicted because I know that the same evil that exist in this world is the same evil inside of me. It is a daily fight to resist the desires of the flesh, and to walk in a way that glorifies the Lord. It is heavy to walk through life knowing that even when I want to do good, evil is always present. But, Jesus is Lord! We should remember this:

2 Corinthians 4:17 – “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”

Press forward! God sees, He knows, and He’s in control.