Finding Joy and Wisdom Amid Life's Unfairness

Devotional

Day 1: Life Isn’t Supposed to Be Fair

It’s easy to look around and feel frustrated when the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, but the truth is that life in a broken world is not fair. If we expect fairness, we set ourselves up for disappointment and bitterness. Instead, we are called to accept that justice is ultimately in God’s hands, and that His grace is far better than the fairness we think we want. On this side of eternity, things will remain a little wonky, but we can trust that God will one day make all things right. Until then, let go of the expectation that life should be fair, and entrust yourself to the God who sees and knows all. [45:44]

Ecclesiastes 8:14-15 (ESV)
"There is a vanity that takes place on earth, that there are righteous people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the wicked, and there are wicked people to whom it happens according to the deeds of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun."

Reflection: Where in your life are you holding onto resentment or disappointment because things haven’t been fair, and how can you release that expectation to God today?

Day 2: You Are Not in Control

We often exhaust ourselves trying to control outcomes, people, and circumstances, but the reality is that so much of life is outside our grasp. The desire to control what we cannot only leads to anxiety and misery. True peace comes when we surrender what we cannot change into God’s capable hands, focusing instead on what we can control—our thoughts, actions, and responses. There is wonderful freedom in admitting our limits and trusting God with the rest. [47:12]

Ecclesiastes 8:7-8 (ESV)
"For he does not know what is to be, for who can tell him how it will be? No man has power to retain the spirit, or power over the day of death. There is no discharge from war, nor will wickedness deliver those who are given to it."

Reflection: What is one thing you are worrying about right now that you cannot control, and how can you intentionally place it in God’s hands today?

Day 3: God Is Good, Even When Life Isn’t

Believing in God’s existence is not enough; we must also trust in His goodness, especially when our circumstances seem to tell a different story. God’s goodness is most clearly seen at the cross, where He gave His Son for us. Even when life is dark and confusing, we can choose to believe that God is good and that He rewards those who seek Him. Don’t let your circumstances define your view of God—let His Word and His actions in Christ shape your faith. [49:04]

Hebrews 11:6 (ESV)
"And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him."

Reflection: When your circumstances feel overwhelming, what is one promise or truth about God’s goodness you can cling to and declare over your life today?

Day 4: Walk in Wisdom and Humble Dependence

While we cannot control everything, we are called to walk in wisdom, making choices that honor God and protect us from unnecessary suffering. Wisdom softens our hearts, changes our countenance, and helps us discern when to stand firm and when to yield. True strength is found not in self-reliance, but in humble dependence on God—admitting our weakness and crying out for His help. Wisdom is a gift that leads us to live well, even in a world that is unpredictable and unfair. [50:58]

James 3:17 (ESV)
"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to stop relying on your own strength and instead ask God for wisdom and help today?

Day 5: Enjoy God’s Good Gifts in the Midst of Brokenness

Even when life is hard and the world feels harsh, God invites us to enjoy the simple, good gifts He provides—meals, laughter, family, and moments of peace. Choosing joy is not ignoring reality, but embracing gratitude for what God has given, even in the midst of pain. Savor the blessings, however small, and recognize that every good thing comes from God’s hand. There is freedom and wisdom in enjoying life, trusting that God is with you in both the darkness and the light. [52:48]

Ecclesiastes 8:15 (ESV)
"And I commend joy, for man has nothing better under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun."

Reflection: What is one simple gift or moment you can intentionally enjoy and thank God for today, even if your circumstances are far from perfect?

Sermon Summary

Ecclesiastes 8 invites us to face the hard realities of life: it is unfair, unpredictable, and often out of our control. Many of us have built our lives on ideas or expectations that simply aren’t biblical, and sometimes we need to strip our faith back down to the foundation—Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone—and rebuild with truth. There are things we need to unlearn, especially the belief that life should be fair or that we can control our circumstances. Instead, we are called to trust God’s sovereignty, even when we don’t understand what He’s doing or why things happen as they do.

Wisdom, as Solomon writes, is not just about knowledge but about a heart that is softened, gracious, and merciful. True wisdom changes us from the inside out, and it shows on our faces and in our lives. We are reminded to submit to authority, even when it’s difficult, but never to participate in evil. There are times to stand up and times to stay, and discernment is needed to know the difference. Ultimately, no matter who is in power or how broken the world seems, God is still on the throne.

Life’s unfairness can be deeply frustrating. We see wicked people prosper and righteous people suffer, and it’s tempting to question God’s justice. But we must remember that God’s patience is not His approval of evil; justice will come in His timing. In the meantime, we are called to enjoy the good gifts God gives us—meals, laughter, family, and simple pleasures—without letting the brokenness of the world rob us of joy. Our hope and joy are anchored not in circumstances or politics, but in the empty tomb and the goodness of God.

We are not in control, and that’s a hard truth to accept. But there is freedom in surrendering what we cannot change into God’s capable hands. Instead of being consumed by anxiety or the need to fix everything, we are invited to walk in wisdom, fear God, and enjoy the life He’s given us. Even in darkness, there are blessings to be found, and God’s goodness remains. For those who have never truly surrendered to Christ, today is the day to lay that foundation and trust Him fully.

Key Takeaways

1. Let Go of the Myth of Fairness One of the most liberating truths is that life is not supposed to be fair. If fairness were the standard, none of us would receive grace; we would all face judgment. Instead, God’s mercy is what sustains us, and we must accept that in a broken world, injustice and suffering will persist until Christ returns. Our hope is not in earthly fairness, but in God’s ultimate justice and grace. [45:12]
2. Release the Illusion of Control We often exhaust ourselves trying to manage outcomes that are beyond our reach—whether it’s our children, our health, or the actions of others. True peace comes when we recognize our limits and entrust what we cannot control to God. The desire to control is a root of much misery, but surrendering to God’s sovereignty brings freedom and rest for our souls. [47:12]
3. Anchor Your Faith in God’s Goodness, Not Circumstances It’s easy to let our view of God be shaped by our circumstances, especially when life is hard. But God’s goodness is not defined by our present situation; it is revealed most clearly at the cross and in His promises. Faith means believing in God’s character and His reward for those who seek Him, even when we cannot see how things will work out. [49:04]
4. Walk in Wisdom and Humble Dependence Wisdom is not just about avoiding trouble, but about living with discernment, humility, and a willingness to admit our need for God. Sometimes our suffering is self-inflicted, and wisdom calls us to examine our choices honestly. Yet, even the wise cannot control everything; true strength is found in weakness and in calling out to God for help. [50:58]
5. Choose Joy in the Midst of Brokenness Despite the world’s harshness and unpredictability, we are called to savor the good gifts God gives—meals, laughter, relationships, and moments of peace. Joy is not denial of reality, but a declaration of faith that God is still good and still giving. By focusing on what we can enjoy and thank God for, we resist the temptation to let darkness define our lives. [51:52]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:30] - Deconstruction and the Foundation of Faith
[29:48] - Wisdom That Changes Us
[34:07] - The Visible Fruit of Wisdom
[34:53] - Life’s Unfairness and Enjoyment
[36:22] - Submitting to Authority and Wrestling with Government
[37:09] - When to Obey and When to Resist
[37:49] - Staying or Leaving: Discernment in Difficult Places
[39:47] - Power, Accountability, and Suffering Under Authority
[41:53] - The Frustration of Unfairness
[43:36] - Joy Beyond Politics and Circumstances
[44:08] - Five Principles for Rebuilding Faith
[45:12] - Letting Go of Fairness
[47:12] - Surrendering Control
[49:04] - Trusting God’s Goodness
[51:52] - Choosing Joy in a Broken World
[54:31] - Rebuilding on Truth and Surrender
[54:58] - Invitation to Surrender and Trust Christ
[63:03] - Announcements and Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Ecclesiastes 8, what are some of the realities about life that Solomon observes? ([34:53])
In Ecclesiastes 8:1, what does Solomon say wisdom does to a person’s face, and what might that mean? ([29:48])
What are the two balancing principles Solomon gives about submitting to authority in verses 2-5? ([37:49])
In Psalm 131, how does the psalmist describe his attitude toward things he cannot understand or control? ([53:40])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Solomon say it is important to let go of the idea that life should be fair? How does this connect to the concept of grace? ([44:08])
What does it look like to “walk in wisdom” when we can’t control our circumstances? How is this different from just trying to avoid trouble? ([49:55])
The sermon says that God’s patience is not His approval of evil. Why is it important to remember this when we see injustice in the world? ([42:42])
How does anchoring our faith in God’s goodness, rather than our circumstances, change the way we respond to suffering or disappointment? ([49:04])

Application Questions

The sermon challenges us to “let go of the myth of fairness.” Can you think of a recent situation where you felt life was unfair? How did you respond, and how might you respond differently in light of God’s grace? ([44:08])
Is there an area of your life right now where you are struggling to surrender control? What would it look like to place that situation in God’s hands this week? ([47:12])
The pastor said, “We often exhaust ourselves trying to manage outcomes that are beyond our reach.” What is one thing you are currently worrying about that you cannot control? What practical step can you take to release it to God? ([47:12])
Wisdom is described as something that softens our hearts and even changes our faces. Is there a relationship or situation where you need to show more grace, mercy, or gentleness? What is one way you can do that this week? ([29:48])
The sermon encourages us to “choose joy in the midst of brokenness.” What is one simple gift from God—like a meal, laughter, or time with family—that you can intentionally enjoy and thank God for this week? ([51:52])
When have you mistaken God’s patience for His approval, either in your own life or when looking at others? How can you remind yourself that God’s justice will come in His timing? ([42:42])
For those who have never truly surrendered to Christ, the pastor gave an invitation to lay that foundation today. If you have not done this, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you encourage someone else to take that step? ([54:58])

Sermon Clips

There are people here under the sound of my voice that have the foundation, that Jesus Christ is the chief cornerstone in their life, but you kind of need to strip your house back down to the studs because you started to believe some things that aren't in the Bible. You started to add to the faith. You started to add to the Bible. In a way, your faith needs to be deconstructed back to what really certainly matters. There are things that you need to unlearn, that you were taught wrong, that you heard wrong. And so it wouldn't be a bad idea for some of us to get back down to the basics. [00:28:41]

God doesn't want us to deconstruct for the sake of deconstruction, but to help us rebuild our lives around truth and what really matters. [00:29:35]

A man's wisdom makes his face shine and the sternness of his face has changed. Solomon's trying to tell us something this morning, that a wise person's wisdom changes their appearance. And that's just a fascinating thought that I think is literally true. [00:33:24]

When a person grows in wisdom, they become more gracious and merciful and forgiving. And you know what? You can see that kind of thing on somebody's face. [00:33:58]

James describes wisdom as pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, without hypocrisy. You can see some of those things by looking at someone. It changes your face. [00:34:09]

Life is unfair. Life is unpredictable. Life is hard. Enjoy it. [00:35:23]

You need to understand that God ordains kings and kingdoms. He's sovereign over sovereigns. He is above the White House and all these places. And this includes the wicked ones. [00:36:09]

You should break the law when it forbids what God commands. When God said, do this, and the law says, don't, I listen to God. Also, you should break the law when it commands something God forbids. If I can't in good conscience do it, I won't do it because God is the higher authority. We serve the one true king. [00:37:18]

There are times when God calls you to stay in a situation because you might be needed in that situation to restrain evil or to shine light or to make a difference. [00:38:23]

Sometimes God says, stay and see if you can't change it from the inside out. [00:39:05]

Don't be a yes man. Don't be a doormat. Don't quit, but also don't lay down. Don't participate in evil. [00:39:23]

No one has power over the spirit to retain the spirit. No one has power on the day of death. You cannot pick the day you're going to die. God's in charge of that. You're not in control. [00:41:43]

Sometimes we mistake God's patience for his tolerance. Sometimes God is being patient. He hates your sin. He's trying to get you out of it. But you think he's just winking at it. He's okay with it. [00:42:57]

Nobody in the White House should be able to rob you of your joy. Nothing should be able to rob you of your joy. My joy is anchored in an empty tomb, and as long as that tomb is empty, I can be joyous. [00:43:46]

The first thing you need to get rid of is the idea that life is supposed to be fair. As a father, one of the best lessons my kids could ever learn is that life's not fair. Because it just isn't. And I don't love that. But first of all, I need you to understand, if life was fair, then every one of us would be in hell. Heaven is unfair because by God's grace through Jesus Christ, sinners are saved. [00:44:23]

You don't want justice. You want grace. [00:44:54]

Justice will be served someday. It's just God waits a lot longer than we want him to. Someday, Jesus will come back and every wrong will be made right. Sin will be punished. But what I'm telling you this morning is on this side of eternity, things will remain a little wonky. [00:45:26]

You are not in control of so many things. You can't make your wayward kid come back to you. You can't control what your little kids do. You ever been embarrassed in a restaurant or a ceremony or a Walmart? Congratulations, you have kids. Can't control them. [00:46:36]

Part of your misery, and I want to say this with as much kindness as I can, but part of the reason you're miserable is because you have a desire to control things that you can't. And I say this knowing leaving something in God's hands is the hardest thing to do. You have to give it to him, and give it to him, and give it to him, and give it to him because you keep taking it back. [00:47:27]

Stop trying to learn about God from your circumstances and start to learn about God from his word. And also, if you don't think God is good, look at the cross. God was merciful and kind and saved a wretched sinner like me. [00:48:30]

To have faith you just believe God exists is not enough, but you also believe he rewards. You believe in the goodness of God. Sometimes our circumstances tell a different story, and I know some of your circumstances. And I know it's hard to see the goodness of God in this situation. You have to choose right now which story you're going to believe. [00:48:55]

I know it's going to go well with those who fear God. His faith is evolving. He's seeing it. And I don't know how it works out, but I know that too. It's going to go well with you if you fear God. I'm not promising you a fat bank account or a new car, but eternity with God through Jesus Christ. [00:49:31]

If you're going to be stupid, you better be tough. But really, you better be tough regardless. Or maybe I should take that further. You better be weak enough to call on God for mercy and help. [00:50:50]

You can't control what happens, but you can be wise in how you act and how you respond. [00:51:17]

You need to accept that the world is harsh, and therefore, you need to urgently enjoy every good gift God gives you. Savor your food. Enjoy your drink. Take, laugh. Thank God for his gifts. That's what Solomon's told us time and time and time again in this book. [00:52:16]

There's wonderful freedom in leaving things in God's hands. The only capable hands. There's wonderful freedom in saying, I am done worrying. I am done stressing. I am done being anxious. God, you're going to have to fix this. And he's like, finally, finally, I can take care of this. [00:53:22]

Deuteronomy 29, 29 says, The secret things belong to the Lord our God. But those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of the law. He says, there are some things that just God understands, that just God knows. [00:53:50]

Recognize that the world is brutal, but that God is good. And give your life back to Him today as we stand and worship. [00:55:46]

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