I read Psalm 73 the other day and found that I identified with the Psalmist who wrote it. He was struggling with a question that many of us have asked before; why do the wicked prosper? In other words, while Christians who follow the almighty God suffer, the wicked seemingly get more and more and more.
In this case, the writer admitted that he “envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” vs 3. They seem to be free with no burdens. They wear their pride around like a necklace for all to see but yet inside they are callous. “The evil conceits of their minds know no limits” vs 7b.
As their only pursuit in life is more stuff, they begin to speak with malice and arrogance essentially evolves into this idea that they know everything. “Their mouths lay claim to heaven and their tongues take possession of the earth” vs 9. All the while Christians struggle with suffering and working just to make ends meet and at the same time, seeing the worst of the worst continue to gain human glory.
As mentioned, the writer of this Psalm could not understand this idea that while our God is Sovereign and Just sometimes wicked people prosper. Even though he served God faithfully, it was easy to see how he became discouraged with his situation as he compared his difficulties with the ease of these people. Every day he was punished with this knowledge and just the act of trying to understand “why” was oppressive to him.
WHAT TO DO?
As he searched he learned 2 VERY important things that I want to share with you-
- He learned the fate of the wicked.
“How suddenly they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors!” Vs 19
God shows him that the fate of those who pursue this lifestyle is sudden death and one of pure terror. Jesus said it this way:
What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?
Matthew 16:26
- He learns what the fate of the righteous will be.
Till I entered the sanctuary of God, then I understood their final destiny. Vs 17
Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. Vs 25
When the writer enters the sanctuary of God, his perspective is changed completely. Yes, he learns what happens to the wicked but more importantly, the presence of God changes him. The presence of God is his reward for keeping his eye on the prize even though his eyes showed him things in life that were confusing. When he felt the presence of God, all of his discouragement and confusion left him and suddenly, none of it mattered anymore. Just being with God made everything in his life good.
But as for me, it is good to be near God, I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds. Vs 28
BOTTOM LINE
Let the wicked prosper; our hope, treasure, and life is GOD himself – who is always with us.
Until next time guys…
