When the Wicked Seem to Flourish: Psalm 73

When the wicked seem to flourish: Psalm 73. More and more we see wickedness around us and we might wonder about God’s sovereignty and justice. At such times, read Psalm 73.

Who have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you!

This verse has been a favorite. But its context never fully sank in until recently. I was reading through the book “Developing a Healthy Prayer Life“. In one chapter the authors mentioned Psalm 73. Later that day there I saw several mentions of the Psalm. Whenever that happens, I take it to be God’s providence.

The year 2020 seems to be a milestone of wickedness and chaos in this world. I expect 2021 to follow the same trajectory. Asaph’s Psalm ought to be a check in our perspective; a reminder that God is still in control; that we must keep faith in Him, and a source of comfort to us.

A Psalm of Asaph:

Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. 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. For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride serves as their necklace; Violence covers them like a garment. Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish. They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them. And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” Behold, these are the ungodly, who are always at ease; they increase in riches.

Surely I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocence. For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I had said, “I will speak thus,” Behold, I would have been untrue to the generation of your children. When I thought how to understand this, it was too painful for me – 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. Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awakes, So, Lord, when you awake, you shall despise their image.

Thus my heart was grieved, and I was vexed in my mind. I was so foolish and ignorant; I was like a beast before you.

Nevertheless I am continually with you; you hold me by my right hand. You will guide me with your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Who have I in heaven but you? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart fail; But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

For indeed, those who are far from you shall perish; you have destroyed all those who desert you for harlotry. But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all your works.

Psalm 73

Exposition of Psalm 73 by Charles Spurgeon

Exposition of Psalm 73 by David Guzik

Note: This is a re-post from two months ago. I had begun writing up a post on Psalm 73 and then realized I’d already done it. But this Psalm has been resonating with me during the election cycle, and especially in its aftermath. So here it is again.

The wicked may indeed seem to flourish. In the end, however, God will bring all to account. In the meantime our eyes must remain firmly on Him.

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