A Change of Perspective

“But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:2-3, NKJV)

Have you ever questioned why some people seem to have such easy, prosperous lives even though they show no regard for God and His ways? They are wicked, prideful, and corrupt. It’s so easy to think, “The cheater gets rich while I go broke. That’s just not fair, God!”

We might even go on to list all the things that have recently gone wrong in our lives—financial worries, illnesses, a broken-down car, trouble on the job. Yet the one who makes no pretense of serving God seemingly sails through life carefree. It’s the arrogant co-worker who gets the promotion and the raise. It’s the neighbor who never darkens a church door who drives a new luxury car while your clunker is about to fall apart. Is that fair?

As we continue to read through Psalm 73, we hear the writer cry out with more questions. “Does God know what’s happening? Did I do all this for nothing?” he wondered. I’m sure the writer of this psalm isn’t the first one to question whether God really sees their efforts to live righteously while others choose a self-absorbed path through life.

“Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?” (Verse 13, NLT).

Keep reading. The writer is about to have a change of perspective and things will come into sharper focus.

“Until I went into the sanctuary of God; Then I understood their end. Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down to destruction.” (Verses 17-18, NKJV)

Understanding comes in the house of God.

Yes, the wicked do seem to prosper, but that is in this world only. God, in His mercy, loves the sinner as well as the saint. He allows each the opportunity to repent and choose righteousness. This is that little space of grace mentioned in Ezra 9:8. We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but God gives us a little space—an open window of time—to surrender our lives to Him. We all need His mercy, but not everyone will avail themselves of it.

As we travel through life, there will be times that we see the ungodly prospering, at least by the world’s standards, but we cannot allow their “good life” to cause us to stumble or grow bitter. Do not envy the wicked or blame God when you face hardships. God sees your struggles, but He also sees your dedication. What you possess that the wicked do not have is peace in your soul. God is your strength, and He will see you through whatever challenges life brings your way. Take your questions to the house of God. There you will gain the right perspective.

“Mark the blameless man, and observe the upright; for the future of that man is peace. But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the future of the wicked shall be cut off. But the salvation of the righteous is from the LORD; He is their strength in the time of trouble.” (Psalm 37:37-39, NKJV)

Lord, forgive me if I’ve ever doubted Your goodness to me. Help me to take my eyes off the wicked who prosper and turn my eyes toward You, my joy and strength. It is when I enter Your sanctuary that I realize how richly blessed I am. Thank You for Your peace that fills my life.