Finding Peace Amidst Injustice: Trusting God's Sovereignty

Summary

This morning, we explored the tension between the reality of injustice in our world and the goodness of God. So often, we find ourselves overwhelmed by negative news, both in the media and in our personal lives. It’s easy to become embittered when we see the wicked prosper and the righteous suffer, and we may even begin to question God’s justice and goodness. Asaph, one of King David’s worship leaders, experienced this very struggle in Psalm 73. He was honest about his envy and bitterness as he watched those who did wrong thrive while he, striving to live righteously, faced hardship.

Asaph’s journey is deeply relatable. He confessed that his focus on the prosperity of the wicked nearly caused him to stumble in his faith. He became so preoccupied with the injustices around him that his heart grew indistinguishable from those he condemned. This is a warning for us: when we obsess over the wrongs of others, we risk becoming like them, allowing bitterness and negativity to take root in our own hearts.

The turning point for Asaph came when he entered the sanctuary of God. In God’s presence, his perspective shifted. He realized that God is sovereign and just, and that no one ultimately gets away with evil. God alone holds the final word on justice. Asaph recognized that his own bitterness was not only harming himself but also distancing him from God. In the sanctuary, he found clarity, comfort, and a renewed sense of trust in God’s faithfulness.

Asaph’s story teaches us that the antidote to bitterness is not found in obsessing over fairness or demanding immediate justice, but in seeking God’s presence and making Him our portion. When we focus on God—His goodness, His nearness, and His promises—our hearts are transformed from bitterness to thankfulness. We are reminded that God holds our hand, guides us with His wisdom, and promises us eternal life with Him. The challenge is simple but profound: begin each day by thanking God for one thing. This daily act of gratitude reorients our hearts and helps us rest in God’s sovereignty, even when the world feels unjust.

Key Takeaways

- Obsessing over injustice can distort our hearts. When we fixate on the prosperity of the wicked and the suffering of the righteous, we risk allowing envy and bitterness to take root, making our hearts indistinguishable from those we judge. This internal shift can quietly erode our faith and joy, drawing us away from God’s presence. [37:44]

- The sanctuary of God is where perspective is restored. Asaph’s breakthrough came not from finding answers in the world, but from entering God’s presence. In worship and communion with God, our vision is clarified, and we are reminded of His sovereignty and ultimate justice. This is where bitterness is exchanged for trust and peace. [39:40]

- God’s justice is certain, but His timing is not ours. While it may seem that evil goes unpunished, God alone sets the boundaries and outcomes for every life. Trusting in His sovereignty means releasing our need for immediate retribution and believing that God will deal with all things rightly, in His perfect time. [40:57]

- Bitterness is transformed by gratitude and nearness to God. Asaph’s heart changed when he recognized that God was his portion—his ultimate source of security, provision, and joy. When we desire God above all else, the allure of worldly success and the sting of injustice lose their grip on us. [51:43]

- A daily practice of thankfulness guards our hearts. Beginning each day by thanking God for one thing, no matter how small, shifts our focus from what is wrong to what God has already done. This simple discipline cultivates a spirit of gratitude, helping us rest in God’s goodness and resist the pull of bitterness. [56:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:00] - Five-Minute Fellowship: Good News or Bad News?
[18:39] - Poll: Do You Want the Good News or Bad News First?
[20:31] - The Prevalence and Impact of Negative News
[22:46] - Wrestling with Injustice and the Prosperity of the Wicked
[24:20] - Prayer for Flo and for God’s Guidance
[25:56] - Asaph’s Struggle: Envy and Bitterness
[28:17] - Personal Story: Wrestling with Regret and Comparison
[31:24] - The Deepening Bitterness of Focusing on Injustice
[35:54] - The Power of Restraint and the Cost of Negativity
[38:52] - The Turning Point: Entering God’s Sanctuary
[40:57] - God’s Sovereignty and Ultimate Justice
[47:25] - Asaph’s Aha Moment: God’s Faithfulness and Nearness
[51:43] - God as Our Portion: Desire for God Above All
[55:41] - Letting God Transform Bitterness into Thankfulness
[56:24] - The Daily Practice: Thanking God for One Thing
[57:07] - Communion: Remembering Christ’s Sacrifice
[01:17:16] - Announcements and Upcoming Events
[01:19:44] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[01:20:32] - Farewell and Final Announcements

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Letting God Transform Bitterness into Thankfulness

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### Bible Reading

Psalm 73
(Read the whole Psalm together, but especially focus on verses 1-3, 13-17, 21-28)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Psalm 73, what specific emotions and struggles did Asaph experience as he watched the wicked prosper?
2. What was the turning point for Asaph in this Psalm? What did he do that changed his perspective?
3. In verses 21-22, how does Asaph describe the effect of his bitterness on his own heart and relationship with God?
4. According to the sermon, what daily practice was suggested to help guard our hearts against bitterness? [[56:24]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Asaph’s focus on the prosperity of the wicked almost caused him to stumble in his faith? What does this reveal about the dangers of comparison and envy? [[25:56]]
2. The sermon says that “the sanctuary of God is where perspective is restored.” What does it mean for us today to “enter the sanctuary” and seek God’s presence? [[39:40]]
3. How does Asaph’s realization of God’s sovereignty and justice help him let go of his obsession with fairness and immediate retribution? [[40:57]]
4. The sermon mentions that Asaph’s heart was transformed when he recognized God as his portion. What does it mean for God to be our “portion,” and how does that change our response to injustice? [[51:43]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon warns that obsessing over injustice can make our hearts “indistinguishable from those we judge.” Can you think of a time when your focus on someone else’s wrongdoing started to affect your own attitude or actions? How did you notice it, and what did you do? [[37:44]]
2. Asaph’s breakthrough came when he entered God’s presence. What are some practical ways you can “enter the sanctuary” in your daily life when you feel overwhelmed by negativity or bitterness? [[39:40]]
3. The sermon challenges us to trust God’s timing for justice, even when it seems like evil goes unpunished. Is there a situation in your life right now where you are struggling to let go and trust God’s justice? What would it look like to release that to God? [[40:57]]
4. Asaph realized that his bitterness was harming himself and distancing him from God. Are there any areas of bitterness or envy in your heart that you need to bring honestly before God? What might be the first step in doing that? [[42:32]]
5. The pastor suggested starting each day by thanking God for one thing, no matter how small. What is one thing you can thank God for today? How might this simple practice help shift your focus from what’s wrong to what God has already done? [[56:24]]
6. When you see injustice or negativity in the news or in your own life, what is your usual response? How could you respond differently in light of Asaph’s story and the sermon’s message? [[22:46]]
7. Asaph ends by saying, “But for me, it is good to be near God.” What is one step you can take this week to draw nearer to God, especially when you feel frustrated by the unfairness around you? [[54:05]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite group members to share one thing they are thankful for, then pray together, asking God to help transform any bitterness into thankfulness and to help each person rest in His goodness and justice.

Devotional

Day 1: Wrestling with the Prosperity of the Wicked
It is a common struggle to see those who do wrong prosper while those who strive to live righteously face hardship. This tension can lead to feelings of envy, bitterness, and even questioning God’s goodness. Asaph, a worship leader in Israel, openly confessed his envy and frustration as he observed the prosperity of the arrogant and the apparent ease of the wicked. He wrestled with the seeming unfairness of life, wondering why his efforts to remain pure and faithful seemed to go unrewarded while others thrived in their wrongdoing. This honest struggle is something many experience, and it is important to bring these feelings before God rather than allowing them to fester in our hearts. [25:56]

Psalm 73:1-3 (ESV)
Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.

Reflection: Is there a situation in your life where you feel envious of someone who seems to be prospering despite their wrongdoing? Bring this feeling honestly before God in prayer today.


Day 2: The Danger of Bitterness and Obsession with Injustice
Focusing excessively on the injustices around us can lead to a deep-rooted bitterness that not only affects our outlook but also our relationship with God. Asaph’s preoccupation with the success of the wicked caused his heart to become indistinguishable from those he condemned. When we allow negativity and a desire for retribution to consume us, we risk becoming just like those we judge, losing sight of God’s goodness and grace. It is easy to let the wrongs of the world overshadow the blessings God has already provided, but unchecked bitterness can poison our spirit and distance us from God’s presence. [37:44]

Psalm 73:21-22 (ESV)
When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you.

Reflection: In what ways has focusing on the wrongs of others affected your own heart or attitude? Ask God to reveal any bitterness that may be taking root and to help you release it.


Day 3: The Transforming Power of God’s Presence
The turning point for Asaph came when he entered the sanctuary of God and sought His presence. In God’s presence, Asaph gained a new perspective—he saw the ultimate end of the wicked and recognized God’s sovereignty and justice. Instead of being consumed by the apparent success of evildoers, he found clarity and peace by drawing near to God. When we bring our struggles, questions, and frustrations into God’s presence, He can transform our outlook, reminding us that He is in control and that His justice will ultimately prevail. [39:40]

Psalm 73:16-18 (ESV)
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin.

Reflection: When you are overwhelmed by injustice or negativity, how can you intentionally seek God’s presence today—perhaps through prayer, worship, or reading Scripture?


Day 4: God Is Our Portion and Refuge
Asaph’s heart was transformed as he realized that nothing on earth could compare to God’s presence and faithfulness. Even when his flesh and heart failed, God remained the strength of his heart and his portion forever. This truth invites us to shift our desires from worldly success or fairness to a deeper longing for God Himself. When we make God our refuge and source, we find security, protection, and provision that surpass anything the world can offer, even in the midst of injustice. [51:43]

Psalm 73:25-26, 28 (ESV)
Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. … But for me it is good to be near God; I have made the Lord God my refuge, that I may tell of all your works.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to make God your portion and refuge today, especially in areas where you feel insecure or dissatisfied?


Day 5: Cultivating Thankfulness to Combat Bitterness
One practical way to let God transform bitterness into thankfulness is to begin each day by intentionally thanking Him for one thing. This simple act of gratitude shifts our focus from what is wrong or lacking to the goodness and faithfulness of God. As we practice thankfulness, our perspective changes, and we become more aware of God’s blessings, even in difficult circumstances. This daily habit can guard our hearts against negativity and help us rest in God’s sovereignty and love. [56:24]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Reflection: When you wake up tomorrow, what is one specific thing you can thank God for? Write it down or say it aloud as you start your day.

Quotes

ASAP did what all of us should do. He entered into the sanctuary of God and he sought God's presence. He didn't seek justice for those people who were doing unjust things. What did he do? He went to the Lord. He sought God's presence. And when he sought God's presence, suddenly this big light bulb turned on. It's like, boom. There's this aha moment. [00:39:40] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

God hates sin, but he died for sinners. And when you really focus on the sovereignty of God, in that holiness, you see God for who he is. Because he's a holy God, but he's a compassionate and patient God. A God who hates sin, but a God who gave up his life for our sins. [00:46:27] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip

Whom have I in heaven but you, God? There is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. See his heart? What happened to the injustices? What happened to the evil people prospering despite their wickedness? He says, there's nothing on earth that I desire besides you, God, nothing. And then he says, my flesh and my heart may fill, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. [00:51:17] (00:00:35 seconds) Edit Clip

That means that God is our ultimate source for everything. That in him, in him alone, that we can find security. In him, and in him alone, we can find protection. In him, and him alone, we can find his presence and his provision because God is that good to us even when injustice seems like it's prevailing all around us. God is our source. He is my portion forever. [00:52:10] (00:00:32 seconds) Edit Clip

When you wake up, the first thing that you do is think of one thing that you can thank God for. Wake up and immediately thank God for one thing. When you begin your day by focusing on how the Lord has taken care of you, how he's blessed you, and how you can be thankful for him and to him, it's going to change your outlook. It's going to change your day. [00:56:33] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

Jesus paid the price for us. The injustice was there. All of our injustices were transferred to Jesus, which was an injustice. A fully innocent God became like sin for us. It doesn't get any more injustice than that. But God allowed that injustice to occur for us because he loved us. And one day, we're going to stand before the Lord, giving our account of our lives. But for those who believe, it's going to be overshadowed by God's grace and Jesus' blood. But for those who don't believe, they're going to face justice. That's the truth. Because God is a just God. God. [00:57:30] (00:00:49 seconds) Edit Clip