In a film about a vigilante crime-fighting hero, the protagonist seems to be waging an impossible war. Not only is his city overrun with violence and theft, but he also discovers that the police force, court system, and public officials are corrupt. He’s repeatedly tempted to give up on the city and leave. But our hero realizes that what people need is hope. He chooses to stay.

That fictional world isn’t too different from our world. Evil is present. Those in power will disappoint us. But thankfully God never abandons His people, no matter how dark things appear. We see evidence of this in King David’s song of praise after the ark of the covenant was moved to Jerusalem. David exhorted his people to praise God, who “remembers His covenant forever” (1 Chronicles 16:15) and faithfully led them to the promised land (v. 18).

Despite threats from powerful enemy nations around Israel and grumbling and idolatry among its people, God “allowed no one to oppress them” (v. 21). He guided the Israelites through the desert, displaying strength (v. 11), wonders and miracles (v. 12), and righteous judgments (v. 14). Because of God’s great love (v. 34), His people had hope for the future. The same is true today. We can trust that God won’t abandon us; He’s stronger than any evil we face.