Goodness Gracious: 14 Unfiltered Devotions for This Sometimes-Too-Serious LifeSample

Vindication is Inevitable

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. PSALM 37:7

It always hurts when you’re lied about, misunderstood, or the topic of untrue gossip—doesn’t it? I remember times in high school when the experiences of “mean girls” were so intense, they would make me want to vomit (preferably in their hair, but I refrained). At that age, all you want is to be loved and accepted by your peers; and when the opposite occurs, the desire to explain or avenge yourself burns inside of you. You feel angry, devastated, and a deep longing all in one. Thoughts of “I just want them to like me,” “That’s not what happened,” or “How can I convince them of the truth?” are all-consuming.

One thing I’ve learned is this: if my heart was wrong or if my actions were out of line, God always brought me back to my knees in repentance. However, if my heart was pure and my actions lined up with truth, no matter what others said about me, I was able to keep moving forward. Not to mention, I cannot count how many times, even years later, the “mean girls” would reach out to apologize and request forgiveness for any lies or torment that transpired during years of immaturity.

The Lord is a pro at examining every heart with a fine-toothed comb—yours, mine, and theirs. He sees truth with a perfect perception. No matter the time frame, the result remains the same: God always brings the truth to light.

It’s so important for us to examine our own hearts, motives, and intentions during painful experiences with other people.

Friend, Jesus will make every wrong, right. He’ll correct you when necessary, and He’ll correct others when needed. Rest and be at peace. He’s got it under control!

God, I know that You are in full control of every painful situation. No matter what, keep my heart in line with Yours. Amen.