Most of the time it is not the big things that get to you, it is the little things. Reading the paper only confirms this. Fathers kill their families, losing everything because of one too many frustrations or incidents. Drivers go berserk, finally breaking after driving on the edge for days or months at a time. A friend criticizes or attacks without provocation. The outcome and cry in each situation is the same, justice!
As the days rush by, I find myself grabbling to handle the little harassments in life. The major issues have a known source or seem totally beyond comprehension. Either case, for me at least, removes the anguish and frustration. I know life is hard. I understand life can be very painful. The innocent suffer, the young die. These are facts when one lives in a world plagued and infected by evil. On the other hand; what happens when a clerk irrationally follows procedures to the letter, leaving their common sense somewhere behind? How do your react when a false accusations cost you hard earned money? What do you do when someone nicks you with a sharp word or embarrassing story?
Naturally, my tendency is to get even! I do not see that anything blatantly obvious is required. One just needs to match dig for dig, nick for nick, pound for pound. I find that keeping score is not hard; actually it comes rather naturally to most of us. I want justice.
Do I really want justice?
When I reflect of my own decisions, choices, and actions I see mountains of failure, poor results, and less than perfect motives. I really want mercy!
God said that I could “count on this: The wicked won’t get off scot-free, and God’s loyal people will triumph.” (Proverbs 11.21) This week I have seen evidence that confirms this again to be true. Those who act with evil intent never get a permanent free ride; there is always a price. Loyalty to God brings peace. This is evidence to what is being proven true, God’s way does triumph!
