Why do the wicked thrive?

How to bring honest feelings to God

Imagine you’re watching the news, and a story comes up about a corrupt businessperson who’s getting away with unethical practices while reaping immense profits. You feel a pang of frustration. Why does it seem like those who do wrong thrive while honest people struggle? This is not a new dilemma; it’s a question that has troubled people for centuries.

Psalm 73, written by Asaph, captures this struggle perfectly. Asaph was one of the Levites appointed by King David to be in charge of the music in the tabernacle, and later the temple. He, along with his family, played a significant role in leading worship through music. He grapples with the prosperity of the wicked and his own sense of injustice. In this blog, we’ll explore how Asaph’s journey can help us understand and navigate our feelings when we see injustice around us.

The Raw Honesty of the Psalmist

Asaph begins Psalm 73 with a declaration of God’s goodness to the pure in heart. However, he quickly shifts to his personal turmoil: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked” (Psalm 73:2-3 ESV).

Asaph’s honesty is striking. He doesn’t hold back his envy, doubt, and frustration. This raw transparency is essential. Often, we might feel that we need to hide our negative emotions from God, but the Psalms teach us that it’s okay to bring our true feelings before Him. Honesty in our prayers allows for a more authentic relationship with God, and it’s the first step towards healing and understanding.

Acknowledging and expressing our difficult emotions can be incredibly therapeutic. It reduces the burden we carry and opens us up to receive comfort and clarity from God.

The Turning Point – A Shift in Perspective

Asaph’s turning point comes when he enters the sanctuary of God: “But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end” (Psalm 73:16-17 ESV).

In God’s presence, Asaph gains a new perspective. He realizes that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting. Spending time with God allows us to see beyond our immediate frustrations and to trust in His eternal plan.

For us today, seeking God’s presence can bring similar clarity. This might involve prayer, worship, or reading Scripture.

When we focus on God, our problems don’t necessarily disappear, but our perspective changes.

We see them in light of God’s greater plan and His justice.

Understanding God’s Justice

As Asaph continues, he reflects on the ultimate fate of the wicked: “Truly you set them in slippery places; you make them fall to ruin. How they are destroyed in a moment, swept away utterly by terrors!” (Psalm 73:18-19 ESV).

God’s justice, while sometimes delayed, is inevitable. The prosperity of the wicked is temporary. Trusting in God’s timing can be challenging, especially when we don’t see immediate results. But faith calls us to believe that God’s justice will prevail.

Reflecting on our own lives, we can often see instances where God’s justice has eventually come to pass, even if it took time. These reflections can strengthen our trust in God’s perfect timing.

The Transformative Power of God’s Presence

After his experience in the sanctuary, Asaph’s tone shifts to one of renewed confidence and faith: “Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory” (Psalm 73:23-24 ESV).

Spending time in God’s presence transforms Asaph’s perspective. He moves from envy and doubt to trust and assurance. For us, developing a daily habit of seeking God’s presence can have a similar transformative effect. It strengthens our faith and helps us see our circumstances through the lens of God’s eternal truth.

Consider the testimony of someone whose life was transformed by regularly spending time with God. (Maybe that’s true of your own story.) So many speak about their renewed faith and shift in perspective; and it can serve as an encouragement to us all.

Building a Supportive Community

While our vertical relationship with God is crucial, our horizontal relationships with others are also important. Sharing our struggles and victories with fellow believers creates a supportive community that mirrors God’s love.

Practical tips for building such a community include joining a small group, finding a prayer partner, or participating in church activities. Being vulnerable and honest within these communities fosters deeper relationships and mutual support.

Embracing the Journey

As we wrap up, let’s recap the key points from Asaph’s journey in Psalm 73. His honesty with God, the shift in perspective gained in God’s presence, the understanding of God’s justice, and the transformative power of spending time with God all lead to a deeper, more trusting relationship with Him.

Take a moment to reflect on your own journey. Bring your honest feelings to God in prayer. Trust that He hears you and will guide you through your struggles.