How can believers trust God when "the wicked" seem to prosper? Anchor Verse “Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart… For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked… until I entered the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.” (Psalm 73:1, 3, 17) The Struggle We Feel • We witness injustice, and—like Asaph—we’re tempted to think righteous living doesn’t “pay.” • The apparent success of the wicked can spark envy, doubt, even resentment toward God. • Scripture never denies the tension; it names it plainly so we know God understands our questions. Truths About God in the Midst of the Tension • He is unchangingly good (Psalm 73:1; James 1:17). • His justice is certain though often delayed (Ecclesiastes 8:11-13). • He sees every deed and motive (Proverbs 15:3). • He sets limits on evil; apparent freedom is temporary (Job 1-2; Psalm 37:13). Gaining Eternal Perspective Asaph’s turning point came “until I entered the sanctuary of God.” • Worship re-centers the heart on God’s sovereignty. • In God’s presence we grasp the fleeting nature of earthly prosperity (Psalm 73:18-20). • Eternity reverses present appearances—“the last will be first” (Matthew 19:30). • The righteous gain an imperishable inheritance (1 Peter 1:4). Why the Prosperity of the Wicked Is Temporary • Their success is rooted in a shaky foundation (Matthew 7:26-27). • God’s judgment is certain and personal—“each will receive his due” (Romans 2:5-6). • Wealth without righteousness leads to sorrow (Proverbs 10:22; 1 Timothy 6:9-10). • At death they “take nothing with them” (Psalm 49:16-17). Practical Ways to Trust God Today • Keep Scripture before your eyes—meditate on passages like Psalm 37; Jeremiah 17:7-8. • Regularly enter God’s “sanctuary” through gathered worship and private prayer. • Celebrate God’s past faithfulness—journal answered prayers and providences. • Refuse comparison; instead, “commit your way to the LORD” (Psalm 37:5). • Invest in eternal treasures—acts of mercy, evangelism, discipleship (Matthew 6:19-20). • Surround yourself with believers who remind you of truth (Hebrews 10:24-25). Encouraging Snapshots from Other Passages • Psalm 37:7-9—“Do not fret when men succeed in their ways… those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land.” • Habakkuk 2:3—“Though it lingers, wait for it; it will surely come.” • Malachi 3:16-18—God keeps a “book of remembrance” for those who fear Him. • Revelation 20:11-15—final, perfect justice at the great white throne. • 2 Corinthians 4:17—“Our light and momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal glory…” Summing It Up What looks like triumph for the wicked is a passing mirage. In God’s sanctuary we see reality: He is good, just, and eternally faithful. Staying rooted in His Word, worship, and fellowship keeps our focus on the glory to come and strengthens confident trust in the One who will “make all things new” (Revelation 21:5). |
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