Read the Psalm

As we have seen, there will be moments on the journey when we experience hard things. Specifically, injustice can weigh heavy on the soul. In the words of the psalmist, we may experience the “scepter of wickedness” and those who are “crooked” in their ways.

The scepter of wickedness contains the idea that there will be rulers and institutions which embrace injustice, and the phrase “those who turn aside to crooked ways” speaks more to those individuals who have embraced deceit and manipulation as their way. Whether it is larger scale societal injustice or the more personal injustices we face, our hearts cry out to the Lord to make things right. 

There are days when God’s strength and power don’t seem to be ruling the day. Darkness and evil seem stronger. Again, we are reminded to not lose heart because there is more going on than we can see. Martin Luther King, Jr. poignantly remarked that “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This is an incredibly hopeful assessment and it is rooted in reality. Justice usually does not happen overnight, and there is a just God who has fashioned and rules the universe. 

When encountering injustice, it is vital that we trust God’s powerful presence and act from that place of trust. If we don’t, it is possible that we move into vigilantism, taking matters into our own hands, or we sit on our hands, doing nothing from a place of hopelessness.

The prophet Micah spoke against the injustices of the people of Israel (corrupt leadership as well as oppression of the poor and vulnerable) and proclaimed that God would right all the wrongs. It was in this context that Micah uttered the familiar words: 

“He has told you, O man, what is good;

         and what does the LORD require of you

         but to do justice, and to love kindness,

         and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8)

In the midst of injustice, we are invited to justice and kindness. The word kindness is often translated as mercy. Justice and mercy are two sides of responding to injustice. Justice is what we pray for those who perpetuate corruption and oppression. Mercy is what we pray for those who receive the oppression. When encountering injustice, it can be difficult to know what is required. Is it mercy or justice? The last part of the verse gives us the way: walk humbly with your God. 

Injustice can leave us confused, anxious, and hurting. It is a humble posture before God that leads us to prayer and dependence upon Him. God invites us to reach out to Him as the One who can and will bring justice. He is the One who brings mercy. Praying for justice, an incredibly trusting act, keeps our hearts centered on the true source of all justice. 

The goal of contemplation (resting in His presence and trusting in His goodness) is to be aware of the injustices without taking it in and letting it define the core of who we are. From that rooted, surrounded place, we can respond in love even as we pray for justice.

Reflection questions: do you see injustice in your life? In the world around you? How do you tend to react – confusing, anxiety, pain? What would it look like for you to respond in prayer?

Prayer: Lord, as I look at the injustices in the world around me, center my heart in You so that I stay in a prayerful place. Then, may all my actions be responses to Your love. Amen.