11They say, "How would God know? Does the Most High know anything?"
12This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth.
13Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence.
14All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments.
- P71
The psalmist struggles internally while reflecting on God’s goodness. He observes that the arrogant and wicked seem to prosper while those who follow God face hardship. - P72
The psalmist envies the wicked and even questions why he should be faithful. Many believers have similar thoughts, wondering why they must struggle when others seem to have everything they desire. Yet, the psalmist realizes that focusing solely on material wealth and worldly success can cause a person to lose eternal perspective. - P72
True fulfillment is found not in our possessions but in our relationship with God. - P72
Through Jesus Christ, we have something far greater than anything the world can offer: eternal security and divine purpose. - P72
We can anchor our joy and contentment in this truth. - P72
When have you envied those who seemed to thrive without God?
Ask the Lord to help you find contentment in His presence rather than in fleeting worldly success. - P72
Lord, when I see the wicked prosper, help me not to grow weary in my faith. - P73
Keep my heart from envy and remind me that You are my true reward. - P73
Strengthen my trust in Your justice and faithfulness. In Your name I pray, amen. - P73
The psalmist struggles with envy toward the wicked, who seem to prosperdespite their arrogance. He describes their wealth, pride, and apparent immunity to suffering, leading him to question the value of righteousness. - P71
He wonders if his keeping his heart pure has been
in vain amid daily hardships. - P71
The wicked are prideful and rebellious in their prosperity. They mock Godand live without restraint, and yet they seem to thrive materially. Meanwhile, the psalmist struggles with affliction despite his continual commit-ment to God. He experiences frustration and doubt at this apparent in-justice. - P72
We might wrestle with similar feelings, especially when we equatematerial success with God‘s favor. However, Scripture teaches that trialsrefine our character and deepen our trust in God. - P72
Prosperity is not always asign of divine approval, just as suffering is not necessarily a mark of divinedispleasure. - P72
God‘s patience with the wicked does not mean He endorsestheir ways. In His perfect timing, He will bring justice, and His righteous-ness will prevail - P72
Jesus Himself faced many trials, so we can anticipate that following Himdoes not mean we live our lives without any troubles. We are not promisedmaterial wealth, perfect health, and all the wants and desires of our hearts.
- P73
However, in following Christ, we can know that we will always be able tofind comfort in the ultimate source of joy, peace, and hope during momentswhen the burdens of life are overwhelming and full of despair. - P73
That ultimate source of hope is the love, truth, and grace found only in Christ Jesus.
This means that, as believers in Him, we can find true prosperity-thefreedom that is found only in a restored relationship with God. - P73
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