Psalms 37:1 "Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity."
God tells us not to get all upset because of the evildoers, and not to be envious of sinners because of what they have as the result of their evil ways. For one thing, our treasure is to be laid up in Heaven, that's where we, as a child of God will receive our rewards. The treasures of the wicked will not last, and once they die they cannot take any of it with them. Our treasure is waiting for us in Heaven, so stop wanting what the wicked have in this life. Secondly don't be envious of them, because they don't know what real treasure is. Money, material things of this world are not real treasures. Real treasure is eternal life, fellowship with God, peace, joy and God's great love, mercy and grace! There is nothing on this earth that can compare to what we have in Jesus Christ our Lord!
Matthew 6:20 & 21 "But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Even with all this said, there are still times when that worldly mindset evades our minds and we find ourselves thinking, "It's just not fair." Well lets take a moment shall we and take a look at someone who had every right to say, "It's just not fair" but didn't.
Hebrews 4:15 "For we have not an high priest (Jesus Christ) which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted (tried) like as we are, yet without sin."
Our Lord Jesus Christ lived on earth as a man, with all the frailty's of the human body, with all the unfairness of this world heaped upon Him, yet He was without sin.
1 Peter 2:21 "...because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow His steps."
He is our example of how to handle life's injustices. Do you ever wonder at some people, who when you are going through a tough situation, pat you on the back and say, "I know what you're going through." I sometimes look at them and wonder to myself, "Do you really?" There's a saying that goes something like this, "You never know what someone is going through unless you've walked in their shoes." Well, I have some news for you...when Jesus whispers to our hurting hearts that He understands what we are going through, we can believe Him, He has walked in our shoes. There is nothing that we go through that He hasn't already gone before.
Have you ever lost everything?
Matthew 8:20 "And Jesus saith unto him, the foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests: but the Son of man hath not where to lay His head."
Thankfully I can say that I've always had a roof over my head and a bed to sleep in. There are many poor souls that do not have this comfort. Unfortunately Canada, like every other Country has many homeless. The poorer nations of this world are full of adults, and children as well, that do not have even a simple refuge from the harsh elements. Or perhaps a fire or a natural disaster has taken away everything you owned. Our Lord had no where to lay His head. Jesus understands the hurt of those who have nothing.
Have you ever been hungry?
Matthew 4:2 "And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, He was afterward an hungred."
Many in this world go hungry. There are thousands of innocent little children that go to bed every night with their little tummy's rumbling for food. Many more die from starvation each day. Jesus knows what it feels like to be weak and in need of food. Jesus understands the hurt of those who are hungry.
Have you ever lost a loved one?
John 11:32 - 36 "Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying unto Him, Lord, if Thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept. Then said the Jews, Behold, how He loved him."
Have you ever held the hand of a dying loved one? Stood by the casket that contained your parent, sibling, spouse, or perhaps even your beloved child? You have felt the choking anguish of trying to say goodbye to that person who meant so much to you. Jesus knew that heartache of death. He stood by the grave of Lazarus, His friend whom He loved, and He wept and grieved. Jesus understands the hurt of those who mourn.
Have you ever been betrayed?
Luke 22:47 & 48 "And while He yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss Him. but Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest Thou the Son of man with a kiss?"
Have you ever had someone you considered a close friend, someone you trusted, someone you shared your innermost thoughts and dreams with, suddenly turn and betray you? Have you experienced the stabbing pain of your heart breaking with the betrayal of someone you considered a close friend? Judas had spent three years close to Jesus, he was one of the chosen 12 disciples, and he betrayed the Lord. Jesus understands the hurt of those who are betrayed.
Have you ever been ridiculed, mocked or abused?
Matthew 26:67 & 68 "Then did they spit in His face, and buffeted Him; and others smote Him with the palms of their hands, saying, Prophesy unto us, Thou Christ, who is he that smote thee?
There are many in this world that suffer atrocities at the hands of others. Child abuse, domestic abuse are ramped in our societies. Bullying is also very much a problem these days. Jesus knows the pain of physical abuse. He also knows the mental anguish of verbal abuse. Jesus understands the hurt of those who are ridiculed, mocked and abused.
Have you ever suffered serious physical pain?
Psalms 22:14 - 16 (Prophesy concerning the crucifixion of Jesus) "I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax: it is melted in the midst of my bowels,
My strength is dried up like a potsherd: and my tongue cleaveth to my jaws; and Thou hast brought Me into the dust of death. For dogs have compassed me; the assembly of the wicked have inclosed Me; they pierced my hands and my feet."
Have you ever laid on a bed of agony, crying from your depths in pain and misery, pleading for relief? Does it seem some days like your body is breaking down and the pain is more then you can bear anymore? Sometimes medication does nothing to alleviate the burning torture that is trapped inside your frail body. Jesus suffered immensely from physical pain. Jesus understands the hurt of physical pain.
Where ever you are, perhaps in the midst of a terrible circumstance, or an unbearable situation, Jesus understands...He's been there, and He's left us this promise in 1 Corinthians 10:13.
"There hath no temptation (trial) taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted (tried) above that ye are able; but will with the temptation (trial) also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
We have the promise from the Word of God that we will be able to bear whatever He lovingly permits to come into our lives. What a wonderful promise to be able to hold on to in the midst of hurt and turmoil. He, who has walked this earthly pathway before us, will be with us no matter what. I know for myself, when I'm going through hard days, the one thing I long for is someone who understands what I'm dealing with, and can comfort me through it. Jesus has promised that He will do both for His own.
Isaiah 41:10 "Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."
Isaiah 43:2 "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned: neither shall the flame kindle upon thee."
Stop lamenting that life's not fair, and take hold of the One who will help you through it, and will make things fair in the end. Remember, Jesus understands!
No one understands like Jesus,
He's a friend beyond compare;
Meet Him at the throne of mercy,
He is waiting for you there.
No one understands like Jesus,
Every woe He sees and feels;
Tenderly He whispers comfort,
And the broken heart He heals.
No one understands like Jesus,
When you falter on the way;
Tho' you fail Him, sadly fail Him,
He will pardon you today.
No one understands like Jesus,
When the days are dark and grim;
No one is so near, so dear as Jesus,
Cast your every care on Him.
John W. Peterson
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