July 27
Judged by the World,
Seen by God
“Here are more sayings of wise people. It isn’t good to favor one person over another when passing judgment.”
Proverbs 24:23 (NIrV)
Carl exhaled sharply as he saw the flashing red and blue lights in his rearview mirror. Again. His hands tightened on the wheel of his sleek black sedan as he signaled and pulled over to the side of the road. He had done nothing wrong—he knew that much. But experience had taught him that didn’t always matter.
A white police officer stepped out of the patrol car, adjusting his belt as he approached. Carl swallowed hard, already anticipating the questions. It was always the same: Where are you headed? Is this your car? What do you do for a living? He had answered them a dozen times before. Being a successful Black man in a nice car seemed to invite suspicion.
The officer tapped on the window. Carl rolled it down, keeping his hands visible. “License and registration.”
“Yes, sir,” Carl said evenly, reaching carefully into his glove compartment. His heart pounded, not with fear, but with exhaustion. It never got easier. The silent accusations. The judgment.
As the officer studied his documents, Carl whispered a prayer, Lord, I am tired. I am angry. But I know You see me. Help me not to let this bitterness take hold. Help me to trust in Your justice, even when the world is unfair.
A few tense minutes passed. Finally, the officer handed back Carl’s license without explanation. “You’re free to go.” No apology. No reason for the stop. Just another reminder of the world’s brokenness.
As Carl pulled back onto the road, his frustration simmered, but deep in his soul, peace settled in. The world may judge unfairly, but God is just. He saw Carl—not just as a Black man behind the wheel, but as His child, known and loved. Carl had no power to change the world in that moment, but he could choose to rise above it. He would keep walking with integrity, keep treating people with kindness, and keep trusting that God was the only Judge who truly mattered.
Prayer:
Lord, You are the only true and just judge.
When the world sees me through unfair eyes, remind me that You see me fully.
Give me strength to face injustice without letting hatred take root.
Help me to respond with grace and courage, knowing that I am seen, known, and loved by You.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
