Let It Go
November 24, 2024
1 John 1:8-10, Philippians 4:6-7, Psalm 73:1-28
If we claim, “We don’t have any sin,” we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from everything we’ve done wrong. If we claim, “We have never sinned,” we make him a liar and his word is not in us.
1 John 1:8-10
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
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It is far to easy to be overwhelmed by the evil in the world around us. Hatred, greed, fear and suffering of every kind seem like they are only getting worse. We wonder why it seems that “bad people” seem to get away with everything while those who are genuinely striving to do what is right so often end up at the bottom. Our cries are not new. Even the Psalmist cried out to God asking why the wicked seemed to prosper (Psalm 73).
As we approach Thanksgiving, let me offer two truths and a way forward regarding this pressing question. First, God is not blessing the wicked or cursing the righteous. Things happen, for good or bad, to all people regardless of how “good” or “bad” they might be. The rain falls on the just and the unjust. Furthermore, Jesus shows us in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5) that those who do not seem very “blessed” by the world are already blessed by God.
Secondly, we should approach the question of good things happening to bad people or even bad things happening to good people with a healthy dose of humility. John writes that if we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves (1 John 1:8) and Jesus himself says that no one is “good” (Mark 10:18). The idea that good things or bad things should happen to people based on our merit is a foolish notion because at the end of the day, none of us are truly “deserving.” God’s love is not something that can be earned, but a gift freely given to all, to those who deserve it the least, and to those who mistakenly think they deserve it the most.
There is no easy answer to the injustice in our world and the seeming lopsidedness of blessing when it comes to those who gain power and wealth through evil means vs. those who suffer for doing what is right. There is, however, a way we can begin to reframe our perspective and build resilience in the face of suffering and injustice. It is the simple act of giving thanks.
When life feels unfair, gratitude keeps us grounded and allows us to focus on God’s faithfulness rather than the fleeting circumstances around us. Gratitude opens us to see God’s blessing in places we might not have otherwise noticed. And gratitude humbles us to realize that though there are many who unfairly gain blessings on the backs of others, it is also true that God is already blessing the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek and merciful, those who hunger & thirst for righteousness, those who are pure in heart, the peacemakers, and even those who are persecuted.
Gratitude won’t solve injustice, but it will open our hearts to hope, peace, love & joy even in the darkness.