For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked (Psalm 73:3, NIV).
Have you ever wondered, “Why do the wicked prosper?” Psalm 73 asks this question, too. Even the prophet Jeremiah challenges God in one of his prayers…
Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? (Jeremiah 12:1, NLT)
Psalm 73 continues…
Why are the wicked so prosperous? Why are evil people so happy? … They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else (Jeremiah 12:1 and Psalm 73:5, NLT).
Jeremiah continues as well…
You have planted them, and they have taken root; they grow and bear fruit (Jeremiah 12:2, NIV).
Another version of the phrase, “Why do the wicked prosper?” would be, “How can a good God allow this wicked thing to happen to me?”
We live in a world where the ultimate goodness of God will not be fully revealed until heaven. This doesn’t mean that we won’t be blessed for faithfulness, but in a world of sinfulness and demonic interference, sometimes our good efforts result in persecution and spiritual warfare.
Have we thought about giving up a battle or action because we seem to be getting nowhere? Do we then compare ourselves with those who don’t follow God?
This is what the wicked are like—always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments (Psalm 73:12-14, NIV).
What do we do?
As followers of God, we have eternity in our hearts. We have a different perspective from which to judge current situations. As Psalm 73 teaches…
In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning (Psalm 73:19-20, NLT).
We start with frustration and end in the glory of God’s perspective while considering if the wicked actually prosper. But in the midst of our growing faith, let’s remember…
Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you (Psalm 73:21-22, NLT).
If we don’t get stuck in bitterness, we will find peace and experience victory from His presence both now and in heaven. I love this concluding thought from Psalm 73…
I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny (Psalm 73:23-24).
Amen. Peace out!