Psalms 73:2-3 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.  For I envied the proud  when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.

“Life is unfair!” “How do people get away with doing wrong?”, “Why doesn’t God do something?” “My life is difficult, and I am trying to do what is right, but those who enjoy sin seem to have so much fun!” 

Sound familiar? Maybe you have not said it out loud to others, but inside there is a building pressure of frustration. I find myself in that place right now!

As I reflect on my “not fair” feelings, the Scriptures remind me that I am not alone. Scripture also gives me direction and understanding. Let me list a few scriptures.

I almost slipped…

Psalms 73 describes this “unfair” feeling as we observe the lost and sinful people seem to have pleasure, laughter, and no consequence. Notice the psalmist states he almost loses his footing in God. Read verses 1-16 to understand his full complaint. The psalmist is in a really frustrating place.

Then he walks into the sanctuary,…everything changes. 

The presence of God is there, and in his spirit, God reminds him of the destination of sinners. The psalmist understands how great God is and nothing escapes Him. Read the words of God’s goodness in verses 18-26. The psalmist ends the chapter with these verses. 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

In the last days…

2 Timothy 3:1-5 1 You should know this, Timothy, that in the last days there will be very difficult times. 2 For people will love only themselves and their money. They will be boastful and proud, scoffing at God, disobedient to their parents, and ungrateful. They will consider nothing sacred. 3 They will be unloving and unforgiving; they will slander others and have no self-control. They will be cruel and hate what is good. 4 They will betray their friends, be reckless, be puffed up with pride, and love pleasure rather than God. 5 They will act religious, but they will reject the power that could make them godly. Stay away from people like that!

I believe we are in the last days. God tells us to stay strong in the Lord. 

Four elements transform frustration into hope.

Pursue truth and righteousness. Know that the days will be difficult, but God is with us. All this means is Jesus is coming soon. He will set all things right. He will return righteousness to the world. Paul describes his focus in difficult times to Timothy. Verse 10 “But you, Timothy, certainly know what I teach, and how I live, and what my purpose in life is. You know my faith, my patience, my love, and my endurance.” 

Are you having a difficult time? Are you looking around and have the feeling “it’s not fair?” The solution is to walk into your church. God’s presence will fill your spirit, and you will understand that God is in full control. Know that we are in the last days, and the lawless one is infecting all society. Be strong in the Lord. Increase faith, patience, love, and endurance. Let us follow his example and keep our lightnside shining bright.