Why is Life so Unfair?
All of us have our ups and downs; times of ups for enjoyment and downs for reflection and strengthening our resolve. If the period of downs is protracted, sometimes it can sap one’s energy and confidence leading to depression. It is especially so when the downs are caused by external forces and not self-inflicted. Bitterness, sense of despair, loss, afflictions, these are some of the challenges of life that often people view as being victims of unfairness. Why does it happen to them and others get a better life? We may dismiss it as comparing one’s position with the more blessed and not the less; looking at material things and life on earth; the consequences of man’s actions which are allowed by God’s liberty.
But to the victim, it may be more than that. “Where is justice?” he asked after the person that killed his son is allowed to walk free for some reasons. The criminals and the oppressor get away with so much and they enjoy themselves despite overwhelming evidence of their misdeeds. Leaders are corrupt and they allow wrongs to be perpetrated and do not defend the wronged. Why do bad things happen to good people?
It is a hard question to answer. Often we are quite lost for words. God never promised us a bed of roses, and even if there is one, it may not last or is not as good as we think it should be because with it comes thorns and the flowers wilt. It is hard when someone becomes the recipient of numerous hardships and just don’t understand why life is so much more unfair to them.
To the aggrieved, life is likened to being on the fast track to hell. He feels its going to get worse. He just doesn’t know what to do anymore. He can’t take anything else that life wants to throw at him. Meanwhile, he looks at others, and understands that everyone has problems, but some people have it so easy!
Yes, there are injustices. Guiltless people are sent to prison. Terrorists strike at innocent citizens. Scholarship awards and entry into universities are presented for political reasons instead of merit. To rise up and fight against these and other forms of inequity is often beyond an individual.
Where can we find answers in a world that seems so unfair? What can we say to the person who is suffering? Or even to ourselves? These are some of the questions that haunt those who think about unfairness, injustice or inequalities.
Before we go into the bible for answers, let us take a look at Nick Vujicic’s video which is a source of inspiration to many. It is an apt illustration of how one person overcame adverse physical handicap and is today completely at peace with his condition:
Nick is today a spokesman for God. Jn 9. James 1:3ff, Rom 8:28.
PSALMS 73
Those who are familiar with the bible would have read of the sufferings of Job and how he overcame his condition. Lesser known but equally significant is Psalms Chapter 73 which expresses the anger, fear, and frustration of Asaph during times of affliction and then finding a new perspective when he focused on God.
Asaph was disappointed with the goings about him and he experienced a crisis of faith. He felt betrayed not only by life but by God. He assumed that the justice of God would be meted out in his time and is the only explanation for life’s present circumstances.
He struggled. His words and emotions have a pained, focused intensity. In a way, Asaph was speaking for some of us. He believed in God and goodness and justice, but his experience didn’t match up with his convictions. He needed answers.
FEELING OF DESPAIR
As Asaph recounted his experience, he began to expose his heart.
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped (v.2). He recounted his thoughts with honesty. He was envious of the boastful; when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (v.3). His painful self-admission challenges us to be authentic and honest with ourselves—and with God.
Asaph’s belief system told him that if he trusted God everything would turn out right—eventually. But eventually seems far away when you are in the midst of suffering and you must watch as others seem to benefit from their wrongdoing.
THE INEQUITY OF LIFE
Asaph struggled over the unfairness he saw all around him. People who had no time for God prospered while people of faith suffered. That’s still true today, isn’t it?
4For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. 6Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment. 7Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. 8They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. 9They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.
The unprincipled mocked not only those who value character but God in whom they put their trust.
They say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” (v.11). They behave as if God does not know and is powerless, that this life is all there is. We see that happening today, when those entrusted with responsibility abused the trust placed upon them and despite overwhelming evidences, continued to behave as if many wrongs could become right and many lies become truth.
ASAPH’S DISCOURAGING CONCLUSION
Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches (v.12). The ungodly were prospering, apparently immune to the normal problems of life.
Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. Asaph was questioning the value of his trust in God. He practiced integrity and was faithful. But now, in his despair, he wondered if his pursuit had been worthless.
He was ready to give up and desert. Doubts can make one confused and want to give up.
For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning (v.14). His response was understandable—“It doesn’t make sense, so why bother?”
ASAPH’S FEAR
If I had said, “I will speak thus,” behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of Your children (v.15). He wanted to declare his disapproval of God’s handling of life but he stopped short. As he contemplated this dangerous position, something slowly began to reel him back in.
As David’s chief musician, he was a man of spiritual influence. Such a position carried with it a great responsibility. He saw the negative impact such a choice would have on those around him.
ASAPH’S SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY
Asaph’s realization serves as a reminder to us as well, for we too must be discerning. With whom do we share our angry concerns, fears, doubts, and crises? We all have a responsibility to one another, and it is that sense of responsibility for others that can provide restraint and self-control as we work through our own anger and sense of betrayal.
When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me (v.16). Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood . . . (v.17).
The word sanctuary appears in the Old Testament refers to the tabernacle, the place of worship for Israel. Sometimes the word sanctuary refers to abiding in the presence of God (Isa. 8:14). Christ Himself moved away from the crowds, the work, and the disciples and went to a mountain alone to spend time with His Father.
Sanctuary suggests being in private for spiritual rest and renewal, being one with God. A time spent meditating on God’s words and allowing the scripture to speak to us.
ASAPH’S SANCTUARY
Asaph found restoration. In verse 17, he found new perspective and understanding. In the presence of his God, everything changed despite his circumstances. It was as if his eyesight had been corrected. In the sanctuary, he saw how different those same inequities should be viewed when God judges.
When God is at the center of our vision, we see things as they really are.
THE END OF THE REBEL
17Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. 18Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction. 19Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20As a dream when one awakes, so, Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image.”
He could finally see as God sees, and understand what was in store for the wicked was not a pretty sight.
These individuals seemed completely safe. But they were on shaky ground and headed for destruction. When Asaph saw them as they would be on the day of judgment, he stopped envying them. Not only were these “prosperous wicked” headed for judgment, they didn’t see it coming. When God moves against them, His judgment will be without remedy.
His anger softened. Now, instead of pointing his finger at those who seemed to be escaping the justice of God, he began looking at himself.
THE BEGINNING OF WISDOM
Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before You (vv.21-22).
In the place of worship, Asaph discovered that the real problem had been with himself. He was pierced within. He changed his perspective and found himself filled with overflowing gratefulness and confidence in God. There is no greater source of courage than the knowledge that God will never leave nor forsake us. This is the same assurance that Christ would later give His disciples when He said, “I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).
God’s presence, strength, and wisdom will never end. Asaph knew that when life had run its course, God would fulfill His promise of a home with Him forever.
In the closing verses of Psalm 73, Asaph recounted what he learned from his struggle.
God Is More Important Than Anything Else In Life.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You (v.25). Asaph realized that God was ultimately all he had and all he needed. He could rest in God’s care and have the confidence that nothing else deserved to be compared to his Lord.
God Is All The Strength We Need.
My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (v.26). From those moments when Asaph would be tempted to rely on his own strength or his own solutions, he now discovered that only in God could he find the unending strength he needed.
God Will Be As Fair As He Is Merciful.
For indeed, those who are far from You shall perish; You have destroyed all those who desert You for harlotry (v.27). Asaph acknowledged that those matters must be entrusted to God. As Abraham said, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Gen. 18:25). Asaph trust that the Lord, in His own timing and wisdom, would deal mercifully but justly with all the inequities of life.
God Draws Near To Those Who Draw Near To Him.
But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works (v.28). Asaph’s responsibility was not to justify everything or try to manipulate justice out of injustice. He learned that his responsibility in all of life was, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas. 4:8).
CONCLUSION
The reality is God, in goodness and omnipotence, is in control—even when we suffer and don’t know why. He ended up with a deep, tested, personal conviction of the confession he alluded to as he began his story:
Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart (v.1). At the end of his season of struggle with doubt, he realized that God does bless the “pure in heart.”
The Bible doesn’t promise us a life free of pain, difficulty, or loss. Christians are not exempt from struggle, heartache, or disappointment. And sometimes we’ll find that in the midst of periods of joy and blessing will come episodes when we desperately need a renewed perspective.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?” (Heb. 13:5-6).
Presented on 23rd Aug 2009
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