Unfairness Shows Me That I Need Jesus

In review of Psalm 40:17 it says, “I’m a mess. I’m nothing and have nothing; make something of me. You [God] can do it; you’ve got what it takes” (The Message).

Today’s verse is from Psalm 40 which tells me that doing God's will sometimes mean waiting patiently. However, while I wait, I can love God, serve others, and tell others about him.

The psalmist says in verse 40, “As for me, since I am poor and needy, let the Lord keep me in his thoughts. You God are my helper and my savior. O my God, do not delay.”

There seems to be a popular thought that people are basically good and unselfish. It’s their environments that turn people’s hearts toward evil. Unfortunately, that theory just doesn’t square with what is really seen in human nature. Being around small children, you can see this. They’re born with a selfish nature. Phrases like, “Feed me! Care for me! I’m the center of attention” are the rule rather than the exception.

Human injustice throughout the world and in our own communities also shatters any misconception we have that we humans are all basically good. Left to our own devices, we oppress others, hoard our food, and generally think about ourselves much more than anyone else. It’s as if God looks at the humanity he created and says, “OK, you think you’re basically good. You think human nature is basically unselfish? I’ll step back and let human nature take its course in the world. We’ll show you what happens when God isn’t in the picture.” Want to know what that looks like? Just pick up a newspaper. What’s true in children and society in general is also true in life today. I may treated unfairly, but I’m learning a secret that I may not have considered before: I treat people unfairly from time to time as well. My propensity to treat one another unfairly doesn’t surprise God. In fact, it shows why I need Jesus. The Bible says, “God is letting the world go on its sinful way so that he can test mankind, and so that men themselves will see that they are no better than beasts” (Ecclesiastes 3:18 TLB).

The reality is, without God in the situation, people are very inhumane to each other. That’s the heart of all the injustice and unfairness in our world — from despotic dictators to crushing poverty to simple injustices in our neighborhoods. One day God will judge every person on the planet for the injustices they commit against others. Because God is just, there must be consequences for how we treat others. That means we need mercy. I myself have been unfair with others from time to time. I’m not just the victim of injustice. I’m a perpetrator as well. This unfairness shows me that I need Jesus. God wouldn’t have needed to send his Son to die on the cross if people were generally good. The vast injustices in our world make it clear that humans can’t live moral lives on their own. Next time I’m treated unfairly, let it be a reminder: Every person on this planet, including me, needs Jesus.

Bottom Line:

I am nothing, but God thinks about me. You are my helper and savior, come save me.

What this means to me:

I am poor and weak, yet the Lord thinks about me! God, you are my helper and Savior; come quickly, and save me without delay.

In summary, I may be treated unfairly, but I also treat others unfairly. it’s because of God’s grace that I am made right with him.

Today Father I pray for your continued guidance in my life. Through the Holy Spirit help remind me to seek you in what I do and follow your Son Jesus’ example. Help me to deal with and treat others with love and respect. In Jesus name I pray, amen!