Central Truth

When you feel you are being treated unjustly or unfairly, God knows all about it and wants to get you through it.

Reflections

“This isn’t my fault!” “It’s not fair!” Sound familiar? I was the youngest of four kids and I screamed those more than a few times! Even as an adult, you might have felt like you needed to scream those words. 

Reading this psalm reminded me of the time I found out someone was working “behind the scenes” to get my job! It didn’t take long to realize that I could not stop the momentum he had created. When I finally accepted this and turned it over to Jesus, I was able to trust Him completely with the outcome. 

The truth eventually came out, but God also allowed some difficult outcomes, including a few friendships that will never be the same. It could have been much worse, I kept thinking, “I don’t deserve this!” After a while, I could sense God’s Spirit, silently asking me, “Do you really want what you deserve?” 

I stopped right there. Truthfully, I deserved a lot worse based on all the sins I’ve committed in my lifetime! In Hebrews 4:15-16 says that Jesus Himself “…has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Who has been maligned, misrepresented and rejected by more people than Jesus? No one. When I feel like I am living in Psalm 41, this scripture from Hebrews reminds me that Jesus has already felt every injustice and knows what it’s like and that He wants to help me through it. 

Discussion Questions

If you’re in a situation like this, or for the next time one comes along, here is a bullet-list that I use to keep my head on straight: 

·   I must take ownership of any sin I contributed to the situation. (1 John 1:8-10)

·   God calls me to love others as He loves me, including those with whom I have conflicts. (John 13:34-35)

·   Jesus knows what it’s like to be wronged and invites me to get the grace, mercy and help I need from Him. (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Questions:
1. Have you ever felt that someone was beyond the scope of God's love or forgiveness?  Have you dealt with that thought or feeling?  How?

2. Do you believe that God can give you the strength to forgive someone or get past a situation where you felt you were treated unfairly?

Once you have done everything you can do, release that conflict to God. If you can’t let it go, call Hill Country Bible Church at 512-331-5050 and ask to meet with someone who can help you.