It's Just Not Fair

“It’s just not fair!”  If you are a parent, I’m sure you have heard this phrase coming from the beloved mouth of your little ones at one point or another.  But before you agree wholeheartedly with a resounding “AMEN!” consider for yourself that you have probably uttered those words once or twice yourself...as have I.

In Psalm 73, Asaph was feeling a similar frustration.  He says that his “feet had almost stumbled.  My steps had nearly slipped for I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked,” (2,3).  He said they “are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men,” (v. 5). 

And that’s just the beginning.  He went on to talk about how the unrighteous were “always at ease” and “increase in riches...Their eyes bulge with abundance. They have more than heart could wish, (v.7).”  “Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence.  For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning,” (v. 13). 

Looks like Asaph, like many of us, was indeed having difficulty with the idea that life isn’t always fair...that good doesn’t always conquer evil...at least in this realm of eternity.

Thankfully, the Psalm doesn’t end there.  If it did, we might get the idea that being righteous in an unrighteous world just doesn’t pay.   Instead, rather than complaining and getting stuck in his discouragement, Asaph takes this issue to God.  “When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me - UNTIL I went in to the sanctuary of God, Then I understood their end,” (17).

In the verses before Asaph’s “quiet time,” he had been envious and almost bitter about the prosperity of the wicked.  However, after coming to understand their ultimate fate,  Asaph’s heart was humbled and broken for them - and thankful for his relationship with the Lord - “ I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You.  Nevertheless I am continually with you; You hold me by my right hand.  You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.  Whom have I in heaven but You?  And there Is none upon earth that I desire besides You.  My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” 

God reminded Asaph that not only would good eventually prevail, and evil receive its just reward, but that in the midst of it all, He was there...holding his hand...giving him strength to endure...guiding him in every step he took. 

Maybe you find yourself in a similar boat today.  Maybe your tired of living the righteous life at work.  Maybe your tired of living the righteous life at home.  Whatever the case, I’m sure it feels like it would be so much easier just to yell at someone - just once - or choose to lie about something - just once.  After all, the results would make life seem a little fairer, and you’d feel a lot better about someone else getting what they deserved.  I can promise you, that wouldn’t be the case at all.  Giving in to the flesh will only serve to cause you to lose the ground you’ve gained in your witness, as well as break your sweet fellowship with the Lord.  Besides, it might even lead the unrighteous, further into unrighteousness after seeing you fall.

So, I encourage you.  Don’t lose heart in the midst of the battle.  God IS just and fair.  Good will ultimately prevail...and who knows.  Maybe He might just choose to use your righteousness in the midst of an unrighteous situation, to turn the wicked from their ultimate fate.

Open our eyes, Lord, to see further down the road than just where we are today.  Help us see You working in our lives...drawing us closer...using pressure to create beautiful examples of Yourself in us for others to follow.  Thank You for being good and just.  I praise You, Jesus.  Praise You.