Midweek Morsel: When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

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“When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God . . .” Psalm 73:16-17a

Since the earliest of times, people have been grappling with situations in life that just don’t make sense. Natural disasters, loved ones taken much too early, infertility, injustices of all sorts. The list goes on. The whole issue of why bad things happen to good people is nothing new to our generation.

In the verse above, the Psalmist Asaph, like many people today, struggled to understand why the wicked prospered. The whole dilemma was oppressive to him—until he entered the sanctuary of God. What happened then? The last half of verse 17 tells us that then he understood their final destiny.

When we’re burdened and discouraged and life doesn’t make sense, let’s remember to turn to God—to enter his sanctuary. Everything may not be made plain to us, but God will give us a fresh perspective and help us understand. He will give the peace we need to carry on.

“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him.” Lamentations 3:25

*How has God helped you when you’ve entered his sanctuary?

*Flickr photo by pdbreen, Creative Commons License

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Comments

  1. I needed to hear that. I should read that verse every day! :)

  2. Also, even though it seems “bad things happen to good people”, none of us are good. We’re all sinners. It just feels like if I haven’t done the really “bad” stuff, why should “bad” things happen to me? We all have to remember we’re living in the same fallen world and we’ll have trials to endure. Easier said than done, some days though!

    • You’re right, Kristin. Everyone has trials to endure. At least as believers, though, we know God can use those bad things or rough times in some way for our good and his glory. So thankful for that. Great peace can be found in that truth.

  3. Debra L. Butterfield says

    When I rest in God I find peace and strength for my situation. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, right now we see in a mirror dimly. I hope that part of heaven is fully understanding all the pain and heartache, although understanding it isn’t going to change it. We can enter his sanctuary, but still fail to find what we need. We must take one more step, and that is to trust him.

  4. Debbie Henry says

    I love that verse. Thanks for the reminder and great post.

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