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Breakthrough in Justice

I had the opportunity to serve in Siberia as a summer missionary while I was a student at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. While in Siberia my eyes were dazzled at the sight of pristine rivers that flowed through the undisturbed mountain valleys beneath the Russian sunsets. My heart raced up the steep, mountainous landscape while hiking along a muddy trail covered in massive bear tracks. In all of its splendor and beauty, the magnificent landscape of Eastern Siberia made an impression on my life that I will never forget.

As unforgettable as the Russian landscape is in all of its beauty, I was even more impressed with the children I met in Russia. Large numbers of children live in orphanages that dot the countryside of post Communist Russia. Many of the orphanages are overcrowded with children that come from homes that did not want them or from parents that just could not afford to keep their child. Other children have lost their parents due to war, sickness, or addictions such as drugs and alcohol. It seems unfair that these children have to live and experience childhood in a situation that is far less than ideal.

People are often faced with the question, “Why does life seem so unfair and where is justice in the world?” Psalm 7:1-17 describes a time in David’s life where he sought after the justice of God and the difference that made in his life. Let’s take a look at God’s word together as it teaches us how to handle the injustices of the world we live in.

Psalm 7:1-2 (NASB) says, “O Lord my God, in Thee I have taken refuge; save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me, lest he tear my soul like a lion, dragging me away, while there is none to deliver.” When David was surrounded by the threats of those that pursued him, he sought refuge in the Lord. David knew that no other could provide deliverance in his life like God could. People trust those they run to for help!

Today, you may be struggling with the memories of childhood abuse or a broken marriage that just does not seem fair. You may have lost your job due to circumstances out of your control. Keep in mind that no matter what injustices you face, you can take refuge in God and He will be faithful to deliver you.

God’s deliverance from injustice comes to those that walk in innocence. Psalm 7:5 (NASB) says, “Let the enemy pursue my soul and overtake it; and let him trample my life down to the ground, and lay my glory in the dust.” David is willing to accept whatever he deserves. David declares in verses three and four that if the injustice rests in his hands and he is the cause, he will pay the penalty from his pursuers. David knew full well that he was not the guilty party of the injustices he faced.

Maintaining a life of innocence in the face of injustice is possible through Christ. Christ was beaten and killed, yet He was completely innocent of the charges brought before Him. Today, Scripture teaches us to live a life that is free from any charges of guilt that could be brought against us. Our view of God’s justice will be much clearer as long as we strive to maintain our innocence in view of those that attempt to treat us unfairly.

Psalm 7:8 (NASB) says, “The Lord judges the peoples; vindicate me, o Lord, according to my righteousness and my integrity that is in me.” David sought the justice of God against his adversaries. People are often tempted to take matters into their own hands when it comes to delivering justice. The best justice to be served is that that is based on the Lord and not on our own making. David’s righteousness and integrity were not of himself, but were a result of God’s work in his life. He knew that God alone would be the One to trust for delivering the proper justice.

Psalm 7:17 (NASB) states, “I will give thanks to the Lord according to His righteousness, and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High.” God’s righteousness sets Him apart as the One to be trusted especially in times when justice needs to be served.

As you see and experience firsthand the unfairness of the world around you, be encouraged to trust God as the righteous judge that will deliver His justice.

Andy Vaughn is pastor of First Church, Fulton, MS.