The Sweet Life of Evil People

One of the most frustrating questions Christians or anyone can ask is why do good things happen to bad people? It can be extremely frustrating and discouraging when we try to live as Jesus would but see others who are leading immoral lives and seem to be living the sweet life. Sometimes we just feel like throwing in the towel because it seems like we’re doing it all for nothing. But we are not the only ones who’ve felt like this. In Psalm 73, the psalmist is going through the same thing.

Psalm 73 New Living Translation (NLT)

Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. 2 But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. 3 For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. 4 They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.

 

Good verses evil

5 They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. 6 They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. 7 These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! 8 They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. 9 They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. 10 And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. 11 “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” 12 Look at these wicked people—enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. 13 Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? 14 I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.

This psalmist is struggling to understand why God would allow good things to happen to such evil people. He admits it almost consumed him and he almost gave up. But then when the psalmist goes to God for help everything becomes clear.

17 Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. 18 Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. 19 In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. 20 When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

 

The wicked will have nothing that will last

God gives the psalmist a new perspective, and he finally understands that in the long run the wicked have nothing that will last because they haven’t put their trust in Jesus. But as Christians, we have God to rely on. He comforts us, sustains us, and gives us His peace. In the end, we will be the ones who will sit with God in Heaven and the wicked will have lost everything. Don’t judge your life based on material wealth or things of this world because they won’t last.

Matthew 6 New Living Translation (NLT)

19 “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.

The psalmist goes on to say that he was foolish to envy the wicked because they won’t be victorious. He realizes that he had been longing for material things instead of focusing on God. He realizes his mistake and then finds joy in the Lord because he understands that God’s love for him and us will last forever.

Psalm 73 New Living Translation (NLT)

21 Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. 22 I was so foolish and ignorant—I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. 23 Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. 24 You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. 25 Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. 26 My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. 27 Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. 28 But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.

Joy by King & Country

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lA7n7TwPDmw

 

Additional reading:
https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2017/09/22/eternity-in-our-heart/