In my tradition, when someone is baptized, they’re asked: “Do you accept the freedom and power God gives you to resist evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves?” In my years of pastoral ministry, I’ve never heard anyone answer “no.” I’ve also never met anyone who said they doubt those things are real.
But I do wonder if we keep some of those words up on a high shelf. As mere lofty ideals, that freedom and power stay there out of our normal use and away from our everyday convictions. We believe in justice in theory, but we don’t always know what to do with it when evil hides behind systems, status or even religion.
As a kid, TV shaped my images of good and evil. God looked like a white-bearded man in the sky. The devil wore red, had horns and carried a pitchfork. But real evil is sneakier than that. It doesn’t always come with a costume. It shows up quietly, clothed in lies, inequality, pride and power grabs. It breaks peace. It divides community. And worst of all, it often wins.
Evil, injustice and oppression can even veil as right as they lie, cheat and hurt people. As peace makers, what's more frustrating and discouraging than watching evil prosper? 
I might summarize the prayer of Psalm 140 like this: “God, don’t let them get away with this!” The psalmist isn’t polite. He's honest in his desire for God to return the misfortune of those who have done evil and violence to him. And he teaches us something. We don’t fight evil alone. We trust that God sees, hears and remembers.
So, when you feel discouraged by what evil gets away with, pray. Pray like the psalmist. Is there other tangible work to do in the fight against injustice and evil? Of course. Some call that good trouble. But our willingness to pray in earnest and honesty shapes how we respond. Praying like the psalmist reminds me that when the wicked seems to win, God isn't done yet.
Stay blessed...john
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