God has the last laugh
Whether we believe it or not, it is God who is in control
Ever have the feeling that the only people who seem to get ahead in life are the ones who do not play fair?
In school it was the bully who picked on you when the teachers were not around. In sports it was the one who cheated when the referee was not looking.
At work it is the one who bends the truth just enough, he could sell snow to a penguin. They are the ones who always seem to prosper.
When you look at our world today, we see many people not playing by the rules. Many treat others unfairly in business, sports and socially, and sadly they appear to benefit from their actions. Expressions like, “look out for number one”, “knock down the other guy before he knocks you down” or “take what you can before someone else does” are the mantras of our world and Christians are unfortunately being seduced into believing that this is how they too should live if they want to succeed in life.
Well, scripture actually tells us it is not those who lie, cheat, or steal. Or those who rob us of our things, threaten our sense of security or cause neighbour to fear neighbour, who are the powerful and the ones who will prosper. Listen to what King David says:
“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong: for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture…. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes…. The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked for he knows their day is coming.” Psalm 37:1-3, 7, and 12-13.
Whether we believe it or not, it is God who is in control. It is God who will bless those who live in obedience to his will, those who love and respect him and treat people the way they want to be treated. Several times scripture tells us that God laughs at those who think they are in control, those who foolishly believe they are more powerful than God. He laughs at those who are so full of pride in themselves; they actually believe they are in control over their lives and the lives of others. “The one enthroned in heaven laughs.” (Psalm 2:4a)
“But you O Lord, laugh them….” (Psalm 59:8a).
More and more we are seeing acts of violence designed to instill fear. Every day we hear about schemes that cause people to lose faith and trust in others. And over and over again, it appears that those who do evil and cause harm to others are the ones who benefit by their acts, and are seemingly in control of this world. Even when the news is filled with acts of terror, with schemes to cheat and threats of harm, I still trust God with my life. I know God is in control and I find peace in that. Even if my paths take me within the range of potential at harms, I know God shields me with His protection. I know it is God who holds my life, not man and I trust in the God who laughs at those who have been fooled by Satan into thinking that they are the powerful ones. Man may be able to inflict evil acts in this life, but only God has control of my future. Only God has the power to direct my life where it counts, eternally.
I am thankful for our God who treats us with mercy and grace, greater mercy than we deserve. I am grateful for his Son Jesus Christ who came to earth to teach us how to live right with God, and how to show mercy and grace to those around us. I am thankful for the God who is in control. The God who has put into place my eternal salvation through Jesus Christ, a salvation no one can steal or destroy.