“I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.” — Psalm 73:3
One of the oldest questions in the Bible is also one of the most common questions believers ask today:
Why do people who ignore God often seem to be blessed, while those who follow Him struggle?
Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself. You pray, obey God, serve faithfully, and try to live with integrity. Meanwhile, someone who has no interest in God appears to be thriving. Their career flourishes. Their finances grow. Their family seems happy. Their social media posts are filled with vacations, success, and celebration.
It’s easy to wonder:
“God, am I missing something?”
“Why are they doing better than I am?”
“Is serving You really worth it?”
If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, you’re in good company.
Even God’s People Have Struggled With This
The writer of Psalm 73, a worship leader named Asaph, was honest about his struggle.
He looked around and saw wicked people prospering while righteous people suffered. He confessed:
“They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.” (Psalm 73:4)
The more he compared his life with theirs, the more discouraged he became.
Eventually he admitted:
“Did I keep my heart pure for nothing?” (Psalm 73:13)
That is a remarkably honest statement. It reveals the discouragement that can arise when we focus on what others have rather than what God has promised.
We Only See Part of the Story
One reason we become discouraged is that we see only the visible side of people’s lives.
We see their income but not their anxiety.
We see their house but not their loneliness.
We see their success but not their emptiness.
We see their smiles but not their struggles.
Many people who appear blessed on the outside are carrying burdens that nobody knows about.
More importantly, material prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God’s approval. Some of the wealthiest people in history have lived far from God, while many of God’s greatest servants endured hardship, persecution, and suffering.
Jesus Himself had no earthly wealth, yet He was perfectly pleasing to the Father.
God’s Blessings Are Bigger Than Material Things
When we compare ourselves with others, we often define blessing too narrowly.
The Bible speaks of blessings that money cannot buy:
- Peace with God
- Forgiveness of sins
- Purpose and meaning
- The presence of the Holy Spirit
- Hope for the future
- Wisdom for life
- Joy in difficult circumstances
- Eternal life
These blessings may not always be visible, but they are infinitely more valuable than temporary success.
A person can have a full bank account and an empty soul.
A follower of Jesus may have fewer possessions but possess treasures that last forever.
Asaph’s Perspective Changed
The turning point in Psalm 73 came when Asaph entered God’s presence.
He wrote:
“Then I went into Your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood.” (Psalm 73:17)
His circumstances had not changed.
The prosperity of the wicked had not changed.
But his perspective changed.
When he looked at life through God’s eyes, he realized that earthly success is temporary. Wealth, popularity, and possessions eventually pass away.
God’s kingdom is eternal.
The greatest blessing is not what we possess but Who possesses our hearts.
Remember What You Have In Christ
Near the end of the psalm, Asaph makes one of the most beautiful declarations in Scripture:
“Whom have I in heaven but You? I desire You more than anything on earth.” (Psalm 73:25)
He discovered that God Himself was the greatest treasure.
The believer’s hope is not found in having a better life than unbelievers.
Our hope is found in knowing Christ.
Our joy is found in walking with Him.
Our confidence is found in His promises.
And our future is secure in His hands.
What Should We Do When Doubts Arise?
When you find yourself discouraged by the apparent success of others:
1. Stop Comparing
Comparison steals joy and distorts reality.
Focus on God’s plan for your life rather than someone else’s circumstances.
2. Count Your Blessings
Take time to thank God for the many ways He has cared for you.
Gratitude helps us see what envy causes us to miss.
3. Spend Time In God’s Presence
Like Asaph, our perspective changes when we draw near to God.
Prayer and worship often answer questions that logic alone cannot.
4. Trust God’s Timing
God’s story is not finished.
What appears unfair today may make perfect sense someday.
5. Remember Eternity
This life is not the whole story.
God sees the beginning, middle, and end. His justice and goodness will ultimately prevail.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever wondered why ungodly people seem to prosper while faithful believers struggle, know that you’re not the first to ask.
The psalmist asked.
The prophets asked.
Even faithful believers today ask.
But Psalm 73 reminds us that appearances can be deceiving.
The greatest blessing is not wealth, success, or comfort.
The greatest blessing is knowing God.
Asaph concluded:
“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter.” (Psalm 73:28)
When doubts arise, remember this truth:
It is always better to walk with God through difficulty than to walk without Him through prosperity.
