Prosperity in the hands of the wicked can cause much consternation in the hearts of the righteous. To witness them thriving in health and wealth; abundance of ease; and evasion of justice is enough to cause anyone to wrestle with this question, “Where is God?” How long shall they prosper in their way while we suffer for his name sake? Out of anguish of the soul, we call on God to right these prevailing inequities just as the Psalmist, “For they have no pangs until death; their bodies are fat and sleek. (5) They are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind” Ps 73:4-5).
Further, if we are not careful we can secretly knead the leaven of envy in our hearts. This is why in our focus Psalm, David exhorts God’s people trust in the Lord continually which quenches the flames of anxiety about the wicked whose day of judgment is coming. He offers the following encouragements:
- Do not be jealous of the wicked. If we are honest, it is hard not to desire the earthly advantages evildoers “appear” to have. But remember, what good is earthly prosperity that gains the eternal damnation? Jesus put it this way, “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?” (Mk 8:36). David reminds us that the wicked present benefits offers them no eternal hope, “For they will soon fade like the grass and whiter like a green herb” (v2). They have no future. Solomon rightly adds that even their pursuits will fade, “…but the dead know nothing, and they have no more reward, for even the memory of them is forgotten. (6) Their love and their hate and their envy has already perished, and forever they have no more share in all that is done under the sun” (Ecc 9:5-6).
- Delight in God. The question becomes, “What are we to focus on?” Fixing our attention on God in the midst of suffering builds trust. David promises when we do, we shall be granted the (righteous) desires of our hearts (cf., Mt 6:33). When we delight in God in this way, he will be glorified in our lives, or as David puts it, “He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday” (6).
A summary of David’s encouragements is this: Patiently trust God in all things. Such faith not only has an antidotal effect on anxiety, but also guards our hearts against the bitter root of anger. If we place trust in ourselves, our hearts will be consumed by anger over evildoers. This mindset will lead us down the path of actions that will make us just like them, for David warns, “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil” (v8). Trust God, that we not become the very thing we hate. Remember, he sees all things and will not remain silent (forever), but according to his timing and will he will have the last say. Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com