The Fairness of God
by Annie Yorty
“It’s not fair!” If you have kids, you might recognize this accusation. Adults feel this way too. When we see inconsistencies in the world around us, we might be tempted to question the fairness of God.
An Unfair Situation
“I thought honesty was the best policy.” I nodded and sipped tea as my friend lamented over a lost job opportunity. “I know I can do the job, but I also have things to learn.” She paused and threw up her hands. “So that’s what I told the hiring committee.”
She and a coworker vied for the same position. In the interview, she honestly explained the strengths and weaknesses of her skills and experience. On the other hand, her coworker embellished—aka lied about—her assets.
Guess who won the promotion. That’s right, the dishonest employee moved up the ranks at work while the boss overlooked the capable one.
Do you wonder why those who do wrong often seem to get away with it? They don’t suffer the consequences of their behavior. Often, they get ahead by their crooked deeds.
David and the Fairness of God
If your answer is “yes,” you’re in good company. David, the writer of many of the psalms, wondered the same thing.
Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. (Psalm 73:12-14 NLT)
David observed the wicked prosper, yet his choice to follow God did not get him ahead—at least not by the world’s standards.
More
“More” sums up the world’s definition of success.
People want more. . .
Money
Property
Possessions
Power
Prestige
Fame
Adoration
We’ve all seen people get more by doing bad things. Corrupt politicians climb to higher rungs of government after every election. A business competitor gets the contract by cutting corners. Maybe you’ve noticed the ones who don’t tithe to God seem to have bigger houses and newer cars. And, closer to home, you pull your child out of school to protect him from a bully who avoids all consequences.
Sometimes, like David, we puzzle over this apparent lack of fairness.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! (Psalm 73:16 NLT)
We might even wonder if God has forgotten His promises to us. If we find our faith in God’s fairness slipping, we must continue reading David’s words to gain a new perspective.
Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. (Psalm 73:17-18 NLT)
God’s sanctuary—His holy presence—enlarged David’s understanding. Suddenly, his vision zoomed out from the close-up picture of one moment in time. He perceived a wider view of God’s eternal plan. He became certain of ultimate consequences for those who prosper today through wickedness.
Do you wonder why the wicked prosper? Share on XWe, too, can perceive and rely on the justice of God in spite of our current situation. When we live in His presence, we receive abundance that goes well beyond the measure of earthly prosperity.
The Abundance of God’s Presence
Joy (Psalm 16:11)
Peace (John 16:33)
Security (Proverbs 18:10)
Belonging (Ephesians 3:12)
Truth (John 14:6)
Righteousness (Philippians 3:9)
Forgiveness (Isaiah 55:7)
Freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17)
Purpose (John 15:5)
My list merely scratches the surface of the abundance of God’s presence.
God cares about our physical needs as well. Apostle Paul reminds us to cast our cares upon Him.
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. (Philippians 4:6 NLT)
Do we deserve any of these benefits from God? Absolutely not!
Our sins carry a death sentence. Nevertheless, God lavishes His love upon us because we received salvation through Jesus.
If we must choose between the fairness of God and His abundance, I’d rather have His abundance.
The Grace-Filled Fairness of God
In realty, God is fair. Every sinful human has the same opportunity to receive God’s mercy and salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross. Salvation brings peace with God and escape from certain punishment. But everyone who refuses God’s mercy will receive God’s just judgment for sins.
That’s God’s grace-filled fairness.
Getting to the Heart of Unfairness
When David entered God’s presence, He realized his heart had become bitter toward those who seemed to unfairly prosper—and maybe even toward God.
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. (Psalm 73:21 NLT)
When we dwell on the apparent unfairness of God, our hearts grow bitter and hard. We fail to perceive the goodness of God. We grudgingly give thanks for what He gives—or maybe not.
God’s heart breaks for the wicked. He pursues them with compassion, just as He pursued you and me. With His Spirit controlling us, we must resist bitterness and share the good news of Jesus with all—even those who get ahead by wickedness.
They don’t deserve His mercy, but then, neither did we.
Dwell on the Goodness of God
By the end of his psalm, David convinced himself of God’s goodness and fairness.
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. (Psalm 73:25 NLT)
My friend, like David, ran into God’s presence with her unfair situation. In the flood of His abundance, she put the matter behind her and embraced the goodness of God.
Perhaps right now you’re wondering how God can allow bad people to get ahead in life while you’re still struggling. Has your heart become mired in bitterness over unfairness?
I encourage you to turn to God, run into His arms, and receive the abundance waiting there.
Join the conversation:
What abundance have you found in the presence of God? Would you share a Bible verse to encourage us?
I welcome your comments!
Copyright ©2023 Annie Yorty
Light in the Tunnel
20 Comments
J.D. Wininger
Amen! I think one of Satan’s favorite tactics is to invite us to compare ourselves with man, rather than with the One whom we should be comparing our lives to. It’s when he (Satan) can distract us from our journey in faith that he has the opportunity to divide us from God. I was reminded of Romans 12:19 as I was reading your post ma’am.
Annie Yorty
I couldn’t agree with you more, J.D. Comparison with one another is one of Satan’s most effective tools. Thanks for the Bible reference: Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. (Romans 12:9 NLT)
Nancy E. Head
God may not always seem fair. But He is just, kind, and merciful. His perceived unfairness is an invitation for us to trust. Thanks for this wisdom, Annie. God bless!
Annie Yorty
“An invitation to trust.” God is always inviting us to trust, isn’t He? Whenever we take Him up on that invitation, He never fails us. Thanks for joining the conversation, Nancy. Blessings!
Katherine Pasour
I think we’ve all been down this road, Annie, questioning God’s fairness–asking, “Why me, God” or “Why not me?” (in the case of the unfairness of someone being chosen over us). You’ve pointed out a key point, if God was fair, if we got what we deserved, we’d all be condemned. We have something greater than fairness–it’s grace. Thank you, Annie.
Annie Yorty
Thanks for your visit, Katherine. I’m so grateful for God’s grace!
Jimmie Kepler
Thank you for your insights. I needed them. I’ve shared your post.
Annie Yorty
I appreciate your visit, Jimmie. Blessings!
Craig Ruhl
Great post, one I am saving to revisit often. This is a subject I have struggled with in the past and want to handle better. Thanks!
Annie Yorty
Craig, thanks for visiting and sharing your struggle. I’m so thankful God helps us to know His goodness more each day.
Wohlford Connie
What a great reminder that God sees, God knows, God cares, and God loves us with unfailing love. He’s right there to help us navigate these unsettling experiences.
Thank you, Annie. Your post is very encouraging.
Annie Yorty
Connie, thank you for visiting and adding your insight to this important conversation. When we remember God is for us, we can never conclude He is unfair.
Yvonne Morgan
It is hard to not compare ourselves to others. I know I’m a work in progress. I pray for God to keep my eyes focused on Him and not on the world. Great message Annie
Annie Yorty
I’m convinced comparison is one of the biggest tools of Satan. We all struggle with it from time to time, if not more often. Thanks for visiting, Yvonne!
Lisa Robbins
Yes Annie, God is fair. It’s our perception of our circumstances that skew our perception. I’m guilty. God works in each of as He wills causing us to seek His presence.
Annie Yorty
Amen, Lisa. God is more than fair to us. And just like we do with our children, He gives us each exactly what we need rather than giving each of us the same. He knows our needs perfectly. Thanks for stopping by!
Candyce Carden
David stepped back and looked at the big picture. What a difference that makes! It benefits us all when we look at life through an eternal lense. Hard to do sometimes, but it encourages us to keep on keeping on.
Thanks for this!
Annie Yorty
That’s a great way to put it, Candyce. Paul told us to keep our eyes on the prize too. It helps keep us from looking around and worrying about others. Thanks for your input.
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