Life is not fair! In fact, it may often seem that the wicked prosper while Christians suffer. In these Psalms, however, David teaches us to not lose sight of the bigger picture. He wants us to remember that no matter how perplexing circumstances may seem in the moment, God is still on His throne and justice will prevail.
“But the Lord sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice, and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.”
(Psalms 9:7-8)
When you observe the world around you, it appears that most people ignore God and do not believe there will be any consequences for their sin. But God has not forgotten them and He will hold them accountable for their actions and choices in this life.
“The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.”
(Psalms 11:4)
We are being tested by the Lord. He is looking for the heart who trusts in Him, seeks relationship with Him and chooses to live a life that glorifies Him. He looks for the heart that trusts Him even when life is unfair and oppressive.
“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.”
(Psalms 9:9-10 )
David encourages us to stay focused on God and His righteousness. What does God desire from us? Devotion, dedication and celebration with our whole heart.
“I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”
(Psalms 9:1-2 )
David also encourages us to pray and assures us that God listens.
“O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear” (Psalms 10:17)
Life is not fair but God is righteous and fair. We are encouraged to trust in Him and wait patiently for His interventions.
“For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.”(Psalms 9:18)
"The needy, and the poor, whose expectation is from the Lord, are never forgotten, though sometimes their deliverance is delayed for the greater confusion of their enemies, the greater manifestation of God's mercy, and the greater benefit to themselves." (Clarke)
God is sovereign. Even though life does not seem fair, we have to remember that He rules over all and He will work ALL things for good. He loves us and He watches over us. He cares about all of our trials, hardships and the unfairness of life that we have to endure. He promises to be with us and He listens when we call to Him. He will strengthen us in adversity. He will watch over us in the dark valleys. He will guide us and teach us. He will rule over this world and a day will come when sin and the unfairness that it causes will be no more.