Sometimes it seems as though the most corrupt individuals catch all the breaks, while the righteous get none. This often leaves many a Christian shaking their heads and questioning their faith.
I wish I had a definitive answer I could share with you, but I don't. In fact, no one really does. God has his reasons for doing what he does. As creator of the universe and all life within, he doesn't have to explain his actions (Psalms 135:6; Job 23:13).
What I can tell you, however, is that we are not the only ones who have ever considered this. Long ago, Asaph, a Levite "seer" or "prophet" chosen as a worship leader by King David spoke about this in one of the psalms he composed.
In Psalm 73, Asaph expresses his discouragement and disappointment in this "psalm of doubt." Here he documents his struggle with doubt and a wavering faith. He too feels that the wicked seem to always prosper while he is left to suffer.
We can have difficulty wrapping our minds around God's thoughts. This is understandable mainly due to our situation living here on earth. Neither is it not for us to know what God is thinking at any given time (1 Corinthians 2:11).
As the psalm opens, Asaph writes that "God is good" (Psalm 73:1). What he doesn't realize, however, is that his definition of "good," and that of God is very different. His version was based on what he could see, and not on faith.
It wasn't until later, when he entered the sanctuary of God, that he finally understood what things looked like from God's point of view (Psalm 73:17-20). Asaph, like most of us, allowed his pain to distract and disillusion him.
Few would argue that it's even more difficult to remain focused in our modern world where we are confronted with so many distractions. But this feeling of unfair treatment by God is not a new one, nor is it unique.
It is exactly at these times that we need to step back and worship; set our spiritual vessel upright again. Asaph eventually realized that he had a friend and refuge in God (Psalm 73:23-28). And, what goes for Asaph goes for us, as well.
Our relationship with God is not based on today's headlines or breaking news. There will no shortage of troubles or worries in our lives (Matthew 6:34). God will help us get through them if we allow him to (Hebrews 13:5).
Scripture: Hebrews 11:1; Hebrews 11:6; Philippians 4:6-7; Isaiah 41:10; Romans 8:18
Prayer: "I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord." - Psalm 27:13-14
Blessings always,
Vaunda
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.