[Do not be overcome by evil]

Andrew and I heard this song over the radio yesterday while we were out and about.  In this crazy world, we need the encouragement and reminder to choose joy more than ever. With the chaos around us, and the burdens of life, it’s important that we keep our hearts and minds tuned to the right station, and that we’re living life to the right beat.

As Andrew pulled up behind a line of cars that were stopped at the red light, another driver forced his way up beside the lady in front of us, intimidating her to let him cut in.  We could both see quite clearly the look of anger on his face and the curses he mouthed as he nudged his car closer, making it clear to her that he was going to have his way.  It was sick and sad.  Actually, I was shocked at what I was seeing.  This wasn’t road rage, but he wasn’t merging either.  His behavior wasn’t provoked, he was just being an irresponsible and self serving human being.

Andrew has a very strong sense of justice, so he wanted to jump out of our vehicle and have a few strong words with this younger male driver, but I protested that he stay in the car.  My thoughts and words?  This guy comes off like a gang member, or a drug dealer.  What if he has a gun?  You don’t. It’s scary out there, and I didn’t want my husband to come to any harm!  The driver never left his vehicle; he did get his way, and the moment passed.

Sadly, rash behavior and gun fire are very prevalent these days, and things will get worse before things get better.  Scripture says that there will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God…(2 Timothy 3:1-5) but we have hope as we fix our eyes on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (1Corinthians 4:18).

For those who do “get their way,” choosing instead to follow a path that leads only to chaos and despair, there won’t be such a happy ending. Though it can be easy for us to say that they get what they deserve, if it weren’t for God’s grace, we too would get exactly what we deserve. God’s desire is that none of us should perish, and we’re told to pray for our enemies. We’re also called to be salt and light, but we can’t do any of this if we forget the joy we do have, and instead we’re overcome by evil.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” –Romans 12:21

We have to choose to remember the good (Phillipians 4:8), and be glad in the promise that for those who’ve put their trust in Jesus, every tear will be dried.  This song below really spoke to me as we headed home. I was glad.  It’s a cruel world out there, but perspective is everything.  So let’s choose joy, so we can also share our joy with others.

Music that Speaks