As we navigate the complexities and challenges of our modern world, it can often feel as though things are at their worst. With news cycles filled with despair, injustice, and heartache, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. We may even begin to wonder if the world is worse now than it has ever been before. But as Christians, it’s important to remember the words of Ecclesiastes 1:9: “What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun.”
This verse, penned by the wise King Solomon, offers us a perspective that can anchor our faith and remind us of a profound truth: the world has always been marked by sin and strife. While the events unfolding in our time may seem uniquely dark, history reveals that every generation has faced its own share of suffering, injustice, and wickedness.
The Wickedness of the Past: A Constant Struggle
The world of today may feel like it’s spiraling into chaos, but it’s important to remember that the struggles we face are not new. The Bible gives us many examples of how God has confronted the evil of humanity throughout history.
The Flood – In Genesis, we read about a time when humanity’s wickedness had reached its peak. The Lord saw that every inclination of man’s heart was only evil all the time (Genesis 6:5). As a result, He sent a flood to wipe out all life except Noah, his family, and the animals on the ark. This was a sobering reminder that, when sin is unchecked, God will judge it. Yet, after the flood, He promised never to destroy the earth in such a way again (Genesis 9:11).
Sodom and Gomorrah – Another example of the Lord’s judgment in the face of rampant sin is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. These cities were known for their depravity, cruelty, and rejection of God. God intervened, wiping them off the map to bring an end to their evil ways (Genesis 19). Even in the midst of such destruction, we see God’s mercy in rescuing Lot and his family, proving that His grace can still prevail in a world filled with darkness.
The Darkest Day in History
Perhaps the greatest example of human evil, however, is found at the cross. On the day that Jesus died, sin and darkness seemed to have triumphed. The Savior of the world was mocked, beaten, and nailed to a cross. The very people He came to save rejected Him. Yet, as Christians, we know that this was not the end. That dark day, while filled with sorrow and suffering, was also the day that God’s perfect plan for redemption was fulfilled. The darkness of that moment could not overcome the light of Christ, and in His death, He conquered sin once and for all.
God’s Sovereignty: Yesterday, Today, and Forever
When we look at history, it becomes clear that no generation is free from the influence of sin. The world has always been broken, and while the methods and faces of evil may change, the heart of humanity remains the same. And yet, in the midst of all this, God is never surprised. He is always in control, and His plans are never thwarted by the chaos of the world.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun—what has been will be again. Whether we are living in the days of ancient Babylon, the time of the Roman Empire, or in the modern world, God is at work. He has been, and always will be, in control. Nothing happens outside of His will, and even when things seem hopeless, He is still sovereign. His purpose is never derailed, and His love for His people remains unshaken.
Darkness Cannot Overcome Light
As Christians, we must remember that darkness cannot overcome light. Jesus is the Light of the World (John 8:12), and no matter how dark the world becomes, His light shines brighter still. The challenges and trials we face today may feel heavy, but they are not new. God has walked with His people through every generation, and He will continue to walk with us.
We may often be overcome and confused by the complexity of our modern world, God is never caught off guard. He is always prepared to use every circumstance, every moment, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). Whether it’s ancient or modern Babylon He contends with, God will always have the victory.
A Source of Comfort and Hope
So, have faith. While the world may seem darker, it is not any worse than the world Jesus entered when He came to redeem us. And even in the darkest moments, God’s purpose remains unshaken. The story of Scripture is one of God’s faithfulness, of His unwavering ability to bring good from even the most tragic and twisted situations.
When we are tempted to despair, let us remember that God is always in control. He has been in control in the past, He is in control now, and He will be in control forever. No matter what happens, we can rest in the assurance that the One who created the world, and who has already overcome the darkness, will continue to work all things together for good for those who love Him.
As we face the challenges of our time, let us find comfort in the truth that the world is not any more wicked than it has been in the past. God is unchanging, and His victory is certain. So, fear no evil, for the Light has already overcome it.
