Psalm 73:1–3 (ESV): Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. 3 For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
It’s easy to feel disgruntled with God when you see wicked people prosper while enduring great hardships as a faithful servant. But know this: for the wicked, this is as good as it gets. You shouldn’t be jealous of them but instead pity them.
Asaph, the great worship leader during David’s time, struggled with this same issue. He was troubled by the prosperity of the wicked and couldn’t understand how God could allow them to enjoy life so much while the godly endured such hardships. It was almost as if he were saying, “You’re not fair, God.” Then he came into the sanctuary of God and realized their ultimate end. For the wicked, this is as good as it gets—they will perish for all eternity. This realization grieved him deeply.
Do you struggle with why God allows evil to exist? It’s within His power to judge now, so why does He allow evil to continue? The answer lies in His mercy: He is trying to reach people. He desires that no one would perish. You ought to be grateful for God’s patience, for if He judged immediately, you would have perished too. He is gracious and slow to anger. He will judge the world, but in His perfect timing. In the meantime, take on His heart and grieve for those who are perishing. Amen?
Father, we thank You for being so patient with us. We don’t deserve Your steadfast love. We ask that You would change our hearts to reflect Yours toward the lost. Give us compassion and patience, we pray, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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