In Justice..??

Was involved in an arbitration meeting today. Confrontation - something I would rather run away from, but in this case I had no choice but to be involved. Things were written about me that were not true. Words I spoke were twisted or taken out of context. Yet thankfully I was able to respond calmly and not be unkind. Jesus broke through. I could be quite mean (or meaner??) if it were not for His presence. It's felt dim as of late but I know He's still in there. Kind of feel as though I'm turning a deaf ear to Him and I wonder what that's all about.

As I lay here thinking about the arbitration this morning, I realized again that even if we are kind to others and show mercy, we will not necessarily get mercy back. Maybe what I think is showing mercy isn't mercy to the one receiving it. Justice here on earth seems to be an elusive thing. And we are reminded in no uncertain terms that "vengeance is mine declares the Lord". Truly that is a good thing. If I received the mercy I deserved I would burn in hell forever, no doubt about that. I'm grateful for the absolutely amazing and undeserved mercy I receive on a daily basis cause I keep screwing up in one way or another. And how many times have I said to my kids that life isn't fair...

But I'm wondering if I am feeling a little put out by the apparent lack of interest and involvement that I'd like to see from God in certain situations. In a lot of situations actually. I can see why some of those Old Testament guys ranted against God asking Him what was up anyways in their world. I kind of feel like ranting tonight too. What is up and why does it take so long for breakthroughs. Sometimes they just don't seem to come during our sojourn here on earth...

"OH Lord, how long shall I cry and you will not hear?
Even cry out to you "Violence!" and you will not save.
Why do you show me iniquity and cause me to see trouble?"
Habakkuk 1:2,3a

Where is justice?

I've been touched by injustice in several areas of my life. Who hasn't? The injustice of someone breaking the law by drinking and driving, leaving me almost dead and quite paralyzed on the side of the road. The injustice of broken covenant. Of a botched surgery when I trusted the surgeon. On and on. And yet, the injustices I endure are trivial next to those suffered by millions in other nations - even by many of those in our fair land where everything looks so pristine on the exterior. Behind closed doors many suffer many forms of injustice. I watched a powerful and beautifully done movie this week on the INJUSTICE suffered by thousands and thousands during the Rwanda crisis. It was called "Sometimes in April" and it was a good way for me to learn about what I have not understood (it's still somewhat hazy, but whoa...talk about injustice!). Some things are beyond understanding. The evil we are capable of is frightening.

Injustice.

It's the result of sin. A result of our "choice". And one day, it will all be made right. But meanwhile we need to trust and obey and worship... Even when we don't feel like it and we are served a side or two of injustice along with our huge helping of blessings. I want to be one of those people who doesn't concentrate on the injustices, but concentrates on, and points out the good wherever it may be found. That I won't miss out on seeing the multitude of blessings on my "plate of life" because I'm so focused on the side dish of injustice I've been served. That I will be one who fights for righteousness and justice for others. That I'll forgive those through whom injustice flows into my life.

So I'll go back to that verse I love so much from the book of Habakkuk. After all His ranting to God about what didn't make sense to him Habakkuk came up with a very good plan. One that I want to continually strive to incorporate into my life.

Interestingly, the title at the top of this passage calls it "A HYMN OF FAITH" - I really like that!

"THOUGH THE FIG TREE MAY NOT BLOSSOM,
NOR FRUIT BE ON THE VINES;
THOUGH THE LABOUR OF THE OLIVE MAY FAIL,
AND THE FIELDS YIELD NO FOOD;
YET I WILL REJOICE IN THE LORD
I WILL JOY IN THE GOD OF MY SALVATION.

THE LORD GOD IS MY STRENGTH;
HE WILL MAKE MY FEET LIKE DEER'S FEET.
AND HE WILL MAKE ME WALK ON MY HIGH HILLS"

HABAKKUK - last few verses, NKJV

Man - this Habakkuk fellow really knew how to turn the tables on the enemy. He starts out ranting and questioning and ends up walking on high hills with deer's feet and God's strength! I shall follow suit! Hah!