Finding Peace When the World Feels Scary

Charmain Hibberd

October 6, 2025

Choose Peace

Finding Peace When the World Feels Scary

The other day, I popped into a popular homeware shop in my city, hoping for a calm little browse. But as soon as I walked through the doors, I was greeted by…

Ghosts.
Ghouls.
Witches.
Headless skeletons.

The foyer was draped in Halloween décor, and every corner seemed to celebrate something dark. In October, it’s almost impossible to step into a store without being surrounded by these images.

For some, it’s just harmless fun – a bit of spooky dress-up, sweets, and laughter. But for me, I couldn’t shake the thought: what are we normalising here?

When we treat darkness as entertainment, we risk teaching the next generation that it’s harmless. But as Christians, we know the truth: darkness is anything but harmless.

Think about what we’ve seen in recent months: assassinations, wars, genocide, starvation. Evil doesn’t just exist in scary costumes – it’s at work in devastatingly real ways. When unchecked, darkness destroys lives, families, and nations.

And yes, the world feels scary when we stare at all of this head-on. But here’s the hope: we are not powerless.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:7-8

Our Real Battle

Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 (NIV):

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

The fight isn’t against people – it’s against the spiritual forces behind the chaos. And because the battle is spiritual, our weapons must be spiritual too: prayer, fasting, intercession, and declaring God’s truth.

How Do We Push Back Against Darkness?

When the world feels overwhelming, it helps to start small, specific, and Spirit-led. Here are a few ways to engage:

Ask God for your “territory.”
Instead of trying to pray for every injustice at once, take time in prayer and ask God what He wants you to focus on. Maybe it’s human trafficking, maybe it’s war, maybe it’s your own community. When He highlights an area, hold onto it and pray faithfully.
Declare Scripture.
God’s Word carries power. Find verses that speak directly against the evil you’re praying about. For example, if you’re praying against oppression, declare Isaiah 61:1 with boldness: “He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the captives.”
Stay persistent.
Breakthrough doesn’t always come overnight. Remember Daniel – his prayers were answered but delayed by spiritual resistance for 21 days (Daniel 10). Don’t give up. Keep pressing in.
Let God work in you, too.
Often, before God moves through our prayers, He works within us – deepening our compassion, strengthening our faith, and shaping us into people who carry His light.

Choosing Peace in a Dark World

The truth is, we can’t control every headline or heartbreaking story. But we can partner with God to push back against darkness in prayer. And when we do, we discover something beautiful: peace is not the absence of conflict – it’s the presence of Jesus.

Peace is possible. Even in a scary world. But it’s something we pursue, fight for, and receive as we press into God’s presence.

So next time you feel overwhelmed by the darkness around you, remember this: you are not powerless. You are equipped, called, and backed by the One who has already overcome the world.

Hold on to Him. Fight in prayer. And let His peace guard your heart.

God bless you.