Seeking righteousness in a broken world

Banes S. Lal

When headlines lie, churches compromise, and leaders fail us, where can we turn for truth and justice?

The ancient cry of Habakkuk echoes in our time:

"O LORD, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!" Hab. 1:2

We walk in dimness. Shadows stretch across the landscape. Hearts grow cold. Truth is traded for trifles. Even the institutions meant to uphold the light—governments, ministries, and assemblies bearing Christ's name—stumble and fall.

Where is righteousness? Where is justice?

• The Shadows are real

• Disappointment festers.

• Politicians promise and betray.

• Governments oppress or ignore the weak.

• False teachers preach "another gospel" (Gal. 1:6-7).

• Entertainers glorify vanity.

• Churches drift from the path they once walked.

Seeking righteousness in a broken world. This is no small trial. It wears down the soul.

The journey through such darkness tests the very core of our faith.

When Trust Fails

The Psalmist warns us plainly and pointedly:

"Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help." Psalm 146:3

How often have the "princes" of our day, those exalted by men, been exposed with feet of clay? They speak of peace while sowing division, promise justice while serving themselves.

Jeremiah knew this sorrow:

"Among my people are found wicked men... they judge not the cause, the cause of the fatherless, yet they prosper; and the right of the needy do they not judge." Jer. 5:26, 28

Such betrayal breeds cynicism. It becomes a heavy burden.

Darkness Within Sacred Walls

Perhaps even more painful is the darkness that creeps into sacred spaces.

False teachers flourish—"deceiving, and being deceived" (2 Tim. 3:13).

They promise prosperity without repentance, comfort without conviction, twisting Scripture to their own destruction (2 Peter 3:16).

And what of our churches?

• Many compromise with the world.

• Sound doctrine is neglected.

• Programs replace prayer.

• Popularity replaces purity.

• Deceivers creep in unnoticed.

The grief is deep when the lampstand appears to be removed (Rev. 2:5).

Like Elijah, many faithful ones cry out:

"I, even I only, am left." 1 Kings 19:10

Misplaced Hopes, Refined Faith

But hear this: disappointment is not the end.

It is a divine refining fire. God never promised flawless earthly vessels.

He declared:

"My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways." Isaiah 55:8

This dark hour has been foretold:

"In the last days perilous times shall come... men shall be lovers of their own selves... having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." 2 Tim. 3:1-2, 5

Perhaps our sorrow stems from misplaced hope. We expected righteousness from men, rather than from God.

But the Psalmist reminds us:

"The kingdom is the LORD'S: and he is the governor among the nations." Psalm 22:28

Christ: Our Righteousness and Justice

Where, then, do we turn?

"But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption." 1 Cor. 1:30

Our hope is not found in government halls, pulpits, or platforms. It is found in Christ alone.

He is the Righteous Judge (2 Tim. 4:8)—the One who "loveth righteousness and judgment" Psalm 33:5

Systems fail. Leaders fall. But Jesus Christ remains the same: "Yesterday, and to day, and for ever." Heb. 13:8

What Must We Do?

Let the darkness drive us not to despair, but to deeper devotion.

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness…" Matt. 6:33

This is not passive waiting. It is an active pursuit.

Seek the Light in the Shadows:

• Return to the Word – let it be a lamp unto your feet (Psalm 119:105)

• Pray earnestly – not casually

• Fellowship with the faithful – even if few

• Live righteously – in word and deed

• Speak the truth in love – and refuse to be silenced by fear

• Walk humbly – for this is what the Lord requires (Micah 6:8)

A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken

The darkness is real.

The disappointment is deep.

But our hope is deeper still.

"Behold the Lamb of God…" John 1:29

In Christ, we have a righteousness that is not our own (Romans 4:5-6).

In Christ, we trust the justice that will prevail:

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…"

2 Cor. 5:10

In Christ, we possess a kingdom that cannot be moved (Heb. 12:28).

So fix your eyes on Him—The Author and Finisher of your faith (Heb. 12:2).

Let the failures of men lift your gaze heavenward.

There, in the Light you will find:

• Strength to endure the shadows

• Courage to walk in righteousness

• Hope that justice—God's perfect justice will have the final word

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Isaiah 41:10

A Final Word of Encouragement

Stand firm. You are not alone in this darkness.

You walk with the One who is the Light.

And in Him, the shadows flee.