What If Evil Does Befall Me? Understanding God's Promises in Times of Trouble

What If Evil Does Befall Me

By Desiring God

In the Shadow of Evil

The Lord says, “No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent” (Psalm 91:10). But what if evil has befallen me? What if disaster has come into my tent? Does that mean God’s promises don’t apply to me?

Psalm 91 has been close to my heart for over a decade. I memorized it and recited it to my youngest daughter as she fell asleep every night. I assured her that God would protect us, especially after her dad left and our world disintegrated. But even as I said those verses aloud, I wondered how they related to us. Evil had befallen us. Angels hadn’t borne us up. We felt like one of the ten thousand fallen.

I wanted to ask, though I dared not say it to her, “Where was God in this mess?” I wanted to read the Bible and search for promises, but many of those promises felt distant from me. How should I interpret the verses promising protection, deliverance, and provision when I was experiencing the opposite?

Understanding God's Promises

When we face evil and disaster, it is natural to question God's promises. We may wonder why we are not experiencing the protection, deliverance, and provision the Bible speaks of. However, it is crucial to understand that God's promises are not voided by our circumstances. They are eternal and applicable to every aspect of our lives, including times of trouble.

Psalm 91, like other passages in the Bible, provides us with a glimpse of God's character and His desire to protect His people. While it may seem contradictory when we are facing evil, we must remember that God's promises are not mere guarantees of a trouble-free life. Instead, they assure us of His presence, His faithfulness, and His ultimate victory over evil.

In the midst of our darkest moments, it can be challenging to see how God is working. We may feel abandoned or forgotten. However, the Bible reassures us that God is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He walks with us through the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4). Even when evil befalls us, He is still with us, guiding us and providing us with His strength.

Seeking God in Times of Trouble

When evil befalls us, it is essential to seek God and His wisdom. This requires us to turn to the Scriptures, not only to find comfort but also to gain understanding. The Bible is a treasure trove of promises, stories, and teachings that provide guidance and hope in times of trouble.

One example is the story of Joseph. He experienced great evil and injustice when he was sold into slavery by his own brothers. However, through God's providence and faithfulness, Joseph eventually became a ruler in Egypt and saved his family from famine. Joseph's story reminds us that even in the face of evil, God can bring about redemption and restoration.

Another example is the life of Job. Job suffered immense loss, including the death of his children, the destruction of his property, and his own physical afflictions. Yet, in the midst of his suffering, Job clung to his faith and declared, "Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him" (Job 13:15). Job's story teaches us that even when evil befalls us, we can still trust in God's goodness and His ultimate plan.

The Ultimate Victory over Evil

While we may face evil in this world, we can take comfort in the fact that God has already won the ultimate victory over evil through Jesus Christ. The cross and the resurrection demonstrate God's power to overcome sin, death, and all forms of evil. In Christ, we have the assurance of eternal life and the hope of a future free from evil and suffering.

As we navigate through the trials and tribulations of life, we must remember that God is working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Even when evil befalls us, He can use it to refine our faith, deepen our dependence on Him, and bring about His purposes in our lives. Our present sufferings are temporary compared to the eternal glory that awaits us (2 Corinthians 4:17).

Conclusion

When evil befalls us, it is natural to question God's promises and wonder where He is in the midst of our suffering. However, we must hold on to the truth that God is sovereign, loving, and faithful. His promises are not invalidated by our circumstances. Instead, they provide us with hope, comfort, and assurance in the face of evil.

By seeking God in times of trouble, studying His Word, and looking to the examples of faithful individuals in the Bible, we can find strength and encouragement to persevere. We can trust that God is with us, even in the darkest moments, and that He will ultimately bring about His purposes for our lives.

As we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2), we can find hope and peace in the midst of evil. Let us hold fast to God's promises, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory.