Day 116.
For I was envious of the arrogant
when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
For they have no pangs until death;
their bodies are fat and sleek.
They are not in trouble as others are;
they are not stricken like the rest of mankind. (Psalm 73:3-5 ESV)
It can be very hard to look around in the world and see “the wicked” prospering. By “wicked” the psalmist refers to anyone who does not follow God. And it is very true. Often those outside the faith live long, healthy, and prosperous lives with no hardship ever seeming to come upon them. In light of all the talk about God’s justice upon the wicked in the Bible, especially the Psalms, it is enough to doubt God’s justice and do one of two things. We can be tempted to get angry at God and turn away or take matters into our hands and dispense justice on our own -especially if wrongs were done toward us.
The great thing about this psalm is that it shows us e bigger picture. There is always more to the story than we can see even in the lifetime of the unbeliever. There is still a judgment to come and it is not escaped. God in the sanctuary reminds us of this reality and brings comfort to the soul, not just for justice for the wicked but for joy for the person of faith.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.
My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:25, 26 ESV)
Chronological Reading Plan plus Psalms: Psalms 73, 77, 78
