“Here’s something that happens all the time and makes no sense at all: Good people get what’s coming to the wicked, and bad people get what’s coming to the good. I tell you, this makes no sense.”
Haven’t we all said or at least heard such comments? It’s a fact: life is not fair. But knowing it and accepting it are two different responses.
That quote above came from a guy who had it all—fame, wealth, and power. If anyone could claim that life had been fair to him, it was this guy. Yet in spite of the veneer of an enchanted life, he, too, experienced disappointment and confusion.
What was his name? King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived. Those sentiments of his at the beginning of the post come from Ecclesiastes 8:14, as interpreted in The Message.
No doubt you’ve experienced your share of disappointment and confusion, too. Perhaps you’re floundering right now, desperately in need of a handhold to keep you from falling.
Selwyn Hughes, that wise, Welsh pastor from a generation ago, recommends we fight uncertainty with certainties.
Certainties would include truths from scripture that apply to our situations. Truths that we can hold tightly in our hearts, such as:
- God is in control over the difficulties as well as the blessings. Yes, he could rescue us from trouble in an instant. But in his infinite, all-knowing wisdom, he has chosen not to. The reasons why may never be revealed. What we do know is this: God never acts or withholds action without purpose.
Think of Joseph, a poster-child for unfair treatment. Yet, to the brothers who sold him into slavery, he said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
God brings good out of all things—even the problems, hurts, and pain (Romans 8:28).
- God has you in his mighty hand—mighty in power (Psalm 89:13), mighty to save (Zephaniah 3:17), mighty in deed (Jeremiah 32:19).
- Out of his infinite might, God will provide strength to get us through. “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).
- Even as we plod through adversity, “The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him” (Lamentations 3:25). That goodness includes his comforting presence, his provision, his blessings in the midst of difficulty, and more.
King Solomon also observed:
“The good life is reserved to the person who fears God, who lives reverently in his presence,…the evil person will not experience a “good” life. No matter how many days he lives, they’ll all be as flat and colorless as a shadow—because he doesn’t fear God” (Ecclesiastes 8:12-13, The Message).
In other words, life with God is far superior to life without God–no matter what.
These certainties are just a few God has graciously provided in his Word that can be applied when uncertainty threatens. But if you’re like me, simply reading them doesn’t help for very long. “Out of sight, out of mind” happens frequently.
Perhaps we can make the most of God’s promises by:
- Keeping a list, particularly those that apply specifically to our situations. As the list grows, so will our faith.
- Copy especially meaningful promises on Post-Its and tuck them in unlikely places. When we spot them they’ll provide a pleasant surprise and uplift. Possibilities include: inside a cabinet door, on the coffee container, on the dashboard. Move them every week to keep the surprise (and uplift) fresh.
- Memorize promises while doing mindless tasks like washing the dishes, waiting at red lights, taking a walk. Soon you’ll be able to pray the promises back to God—anytime, anyplace–to bolster your spirit and strengthen your faith.
Let’s stand on the certainties of scripture and God’s promises because:
“To stand is more important than to understand.”
–Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light
* * * * * * * * * *
Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the handholds in scripture, the truths and promises that help us keep our balance, so we can stand in the midst of adversity. Although I do not understand why troubles and heartache sometimes attack, I do understand that you are unequivocally reliable and you will see us through. I praise you, for you are the strength of my heart (Psalm 73:26b).
(Photo & art credits: www.mygratitudelife.wordpress.com; http://www.ncbv.org; http://www.sjeciowa.org.)
From the Inside Out 
I like your suggestion to leave sticky notes of God’s promises everywhere. Right now we are memorizing Gal. 2:20 by posting it on the bathroom wall.
And I like your idea of posting a verse in the bathroom. What a beneficial way to use those minutes we’re brushing our teeth and washing our faces. Galatians 2:20 is a perfect passage for these days leading up to Easter. I’m going to post it on my bathroom mirror, too! (And I’ll think of you as I memorize.) Love you, Nikki.
This was so lovely and encouraging! I’ve kept a gratitude journal off and on (right now it’s off, but it needs to be on). I’ve always operated with more calm when I do. Thanks for the reminder to stand on His certainties and promises….
Hello, Christine! Thank you for stopping by and commenting. You are right: a gratitude journal is also a wonderful handhold during difficult times. The opportunity to be reminded of God’s faithfulness and blessing in the past helps to fortify us for current circumstances. I started mine in 1983 and have collected over 1000 miracles–some big, some small–over the years. That journal is a source of wonderful encouragement!
Next week we celebrate the most “unfair” event in human history. Thank God for it!
Amen, Mitch. Your comment reminds me: “When you think life is not fair, take a look at the cross” (source unknown). Wise advice, I think.
Thank you Nancy. I feel as if you wrote this for our daughter and son in law. It was forwarded to them. That is all I can do. Blessings /Dave Viall
Praise God for his inspiration, Dave. I always pray that each post ministers to someone’s specific need. Just now I prayed his wisdom and grace for your daughter’s and son in-law’s situation. Blessing back to you!
Think of Joseph, a poster-child for unfair treatment – what a great description. Life isn’t fair – is a key family statement when the kids were little. and sure has lots of truth in it. Can be so frustrating too. But keeping our hearts set on his promises and eyes on him makes the difference. good words, Nancy
Thank you, Jean. Indeed, keeping the heart set on God is key. The question I need to ask myself, when uncertainties loom large, is: Do I trust my loving, faithful, wise, powerful Heavenly Father or not? That ought to redirect my thinking and calm the emotions–emotions like frustration.
Those are some helpful recommendations. Thanks
Thank you, JD!
The part that touched me most:
“To stand is more important than to understand”
(Selwyn Hughes, Every Day Light, Broadman and Holman, p. 215).
My mind always wants to UNDERSTAND! As a math person…everything is black or white. For every problem there is a ready solution/reason that is verifiable. But reading this reminded me that His ways are higher than my ways. He is in control and in the fruition of time, all will become clear.
Yes, I agree, Cheri. That quote caught my attention, too. It’s easier to stand when we understand. But to take that posture when circumstances don’t make sense, that’s when our faith gets stretched and grows. That’s when we can demonstrate to God our utmost devotion. (Will you remind me of those words when our path takes an unpleasant turn?!)
A great post Nancy. I just put the day in God’s will. It gives me comfort. Love you
Yes, praise God he is all-knowing and all-powerful, a loving Heavenly Father to rely upon, especially when life doesn’t make sense!