Good Triumphs Over Evil

In recent years, there seems to be an increased fascination with depictions of demons, zombies, and murder scenes, as evidenced by the large decorations displayed on many home lawns during October. My first thought when I see these exhibits is: where in the world are people storing all of these things, with some props reaching 40 feet tall! My next thought is that most people, even those with elaborate scary setups, still favor good over evil.

Many of the best books, movies, and stories revolve around the battle between good and evil. What makes these narratives even more memorable is when the hero overcomes the villain and good triumphs over evil. Whether it's a war movie, Superman, Batman, the Avengers, or an episode of your favorite crime fighter on Netflix or Prime, there is something about good triumphing over evil that resonates with most people. I believe this connection stems from God's goodness.  

Think of it this way: Our ability to be aware of God and our longing for Him are connected to Ecclesiastes 3:11a, which states, "God has made everything beautiful in its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart..."

This seed of eternity ultimately longs for the goodness of God, something we desperately need and cannot find or attain without Him.  Scripture has a lot to say about the goodness of God and the importance of an eternal focus on what is good.  

Notice first this invitation from Psalm 34:8, which declares, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him."

Also, Nahum 1:7  says, "The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him."

James 1:17 reminds us that — "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

And Galatians 6:9a tells us, "Let us not become weary in doing good..."

As a result of these verses and the entire counsel of the Scriptures, we can be confident that good triumphing over evil is not just a movie plot but one of the Bible's main themes for us to learn and live out.

We know that in this life we can be victorious over evil. Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the full armor of God so that you can fight against the devil's evil tricks."

Even when confronted with evil, the guidance is to overcome that force with good. Romans 12:21 says, "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Of course, the final book of the Bible tells us in great detail that one day evil will have its day in God's court. Revelation 20:10 says, "Then the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur, joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever."

Although the world may appear to be becoming increasingly evil and meaner by the minute, with threats of terrorism and rumors of war heightening our fears, take comfort in knowing that evil has an expiration date. Ultimately, good will triumph over evil!

Jesus said, in John 16:33, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”