Psalm 37
How many times as children did we say to the adults in our lives: ‘It’s not fair!’ I can’t recall every time I spoke the words, but I remember at least once. I wanted to see a newly released movie when I was 15 or 16. My parents were determined that I should not see the movie (I still haven’t watched the movie!) I heard of a few other teens from the church I attended that were going to see the movie, apparently with their parent’s permission. I remember telling my parents how unfair they were being (again, I have yet to see the movie they didn’t want me to see. I should get some credit…right?)
Centuries have passed since the Psalmist recorded his or her own reflections on the unfairness of life. In the HCSB the word ‘evildoers’ (vs. 1) is contrasted with those who ‘wait upon the Lord’ (vs. 7). Those whose actions are considered ‘evil’ or ‘do wrong’ appear to have the upper hand in the eyes of the watching world. Greed is often rewarded in our culture. Taking advantage of another is often considered a necessary technique for succeeding. Accumulating land and other forms of wealth, even if it means treating others poorly, is celebrated and often honored.
It’s not fair.
As our writer processes this frustration he or she notes two different experiences:
“I have been young and now I am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his children begging for bread. He is always generous, always lending, and his children are a blessing.” (Psalm 37:25–26, HCSB);
“I have seen a wicked, violent man well-rooted like a flourishing native tree. Then I passed by and noticed he was gone; I searched for him, but he could not be found. Watch the blameless and observe the upright, for the man of peace will have a future. But transgressors will all be eliminated; the future of the wicked will be destroyed.” (Psalm 37:35–38, HCSB – emphasis added).
Fairness may be a way to measure circumstances on a day to day basis. Those who wait on the Lord, trust and take delight in the Lord realize that what we deem fair or unfair doesn’t truly matter. From God’s perspective, He makes everything right, in His time, and according to His plan.
WINSTON COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 