Sermons
When Things Seem Unfair
When Things Seem Unfair
Psa. 39:1-11
Introduction:
1. “So, God blessed people through the hurricane, but why didn’t He prevent the catastrophe in the first place?”
2. There are things in life that seem unfair: the wicked prospering while the righteous are afflicted; evil doersrejoicing while good people grieve; evil men at ease while good men suffer. And considering the recent hurricanes, floods and tornadoes, the destruction of life and property . . .
3. It is enough to make one question God’s dealings with men. If He is in control, why are things not different? It is enough to question God’s administration in the affairs of this life. Should we not expect the speedy ruin of the wicked? Should we not expect God’s deliverance from the storms of life?
4. Many of the great men of God have questioned this circumstance. Job did. King David and Asaph also. David and Asaph wrong songs about it. Evidently, it was a consideration not just for a few individuals, but a consideration in the minds of the general populace of God’s people.
5. It is probably something that you have wondered about too. In Psa. 39 King David reflected on the circumstances.
Discussion:
I. He had resolved to be silent (1-2, 9).
A. Who can question the dealings of God with man?
1. Isa. 45:9 says, “Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker—Will the clay say
to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’”
2. The Lord asked Job, “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him
who reproves God answer it” (40:1-2).
B. Job’s response was, “I lay my hand on my mouth” (40:4).
C. David’s response was similar (Psa. 39:1-2a).
II. He held it in for a time, but he was compelled to speak (2c-3).
A. Job was compelled to speak too (21:7-13a; 24:2ff).
B. David’s heart became hot within him, the fire burned as he continued to reflect (3;
38:19).
C. Asaph was compelled to speak too (73:3-16).
D. Psa. 39 does not identify what David was compelled to say. There is no record
of his arguing his case with God. Instead, he breaks off into a prayer asking
God that he might understand how transient he was.
III. There is a time for reflection on how transient we are (4-6).
A. We are quite limited.
B. This affects how we view things.
C. The circumstances of this life are but temporary, therefore may be momentarily
endured. The story of the rich man and Lazarus illustrates the transient nature
of both prosperity and affliction (Lk. 16:19ff).
1. The story illustrates the need for trusting the Lord.
a. In prosperity.
b. In affliction.
2. The rich man was inconsiderate of Lazarus. The necessity of compassion is
strong here. Some object, “Why did God bless the rich man and not
Lazarus?”
3. We would do well to consider that God ultimately “straightened out” the
situation. The rich man was in torment. Lazarus in Abraham’s bosom.
4. The story communicates the necessity of compassion based on God
demanding it.
D. Paul says he had learned the secret of being filled and going hungry (Phil. 4:11-
13).
1. “Doesn’t Scripture say, ”Don’t worry about what you are going to eat or wear
but to seek first His kingdom and all these things will be added to you?”
(Matt. 6:31ff).
2. “What about those in Heb. 11:36ff who were destitute, ill-treated and
afflicted? What about those in 10:32ff who endured a great conflict of
sufferings? What about those in Rev. 2:10 who were about to suffer and
have tribulation?”
3. Perhaps reflecting on the transient nature of this life is the key to being
content in whatever circumstances we may find ourselves. It is not easy, but
once we see the big picture it is easier. Our eye is clearer (Matt. 6:22-23, 19-
24, 25ff).
E. King David saw the bigger picture (Psa. 37:1-11, 35-40).
F. Job gained a clearer perspective (42:1-6). Job’s problems were temporary.
G. Asaph pondered the problem and concluded as follows: Psa. 73:15-28.
IV. Their conclusion: there is hope only in the Lord (7-13).
A. Consistent with the teaching of Paul in 1 Tim. 6:17-19.
B. Consistent with the teaching of James 4:13-15; 5:1-11.
C. Note Paul’s statement in 2 Cor. 4:16-5:1.
Conclusion:
1. Well, there is the factual evidence. There is pain and suffering and injustice, loss of life and property, evil, and catastrophe in the world.
2. Some would seem to ignore the facts and willingly suspend their disbelief. Maybe they are afraid to give up and confess they have no good answer. They just choose to believe in God’s goodness anyway. Maybe they are self-deceived and intellectually dishonest.
3. On the other hand, the Bible does describe God as good and powerful. He is described as a giver of good gifts, as having created the earth and all it contains for our benefit.
4. The Bible even describes how He took the penalty of our sin upon Himself. Paul asked, “He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:31).
5. We choose how we will interpret the evidence. Either we blame God and condemn Him, or we see Him as deliverer even though we do not understand everything! One leads to anger and hostility, the other leads to acceptance and forgiveness.
