The Weight of Evil

"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.

That's Asaph speaking. His words show the despair of one who trusts in God. He sees those who don't serve God enjoying ease and abundance of wealth.
Why do those who are evil get rewarded? Why do those who have no respect for God have good things and appear to have a good life?

i have heard often the complaints of Christians who see people doing terrible things with no regard for others and enjoying their happy, fulfilled lives. It is discouraging. i'm not gonna lie, i've seen jerks running around with smiles on their faces and i have wanted to hit them. Really hard.
God's Word has something to say about the issue of evil being rewarded.

God spoke through Malachi about the great day of the Lord, and said that those who fear His name will "trample the wicked." The wicked will be ashes under their feet (now please don't mistake this for a reference to the holocaust).

"'For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,' says the Lord of Hosts, 'That will leave them neither root nor branch.'"

Malachi 4:1, NKJV.

God sees those who trust in Him and will deliver them ultimately. Those who do evil in this life will receive their reward in this life. But in the next life they have everything to lose. They will receive everlasting punishment.

Those who trust in God will not be ashamed.

"O my God, I trust in You; let me not be ashamed; let not my enemies triumph over me. Indeed, let no one who waits on You be ashamed; let those be ashamed who deal treacherously without cause."

Psalm 25:2-3, NKJV.

David knew that God would not let him down.

When Asaph was sad because of the wicked, he felt like he had done right in vain, that it was no good to do right. The good people get screwed over, right? But he said that when he entered the sanctuary of God, he understood their end.

"Oh, how they are brought to desolation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors."

Psalm 73:19, NKJV.

Know that what Asaph, David, and Malachi said is the truth. God is just, and the wicked will get their just reward. This life isn't everything we have. We run to obtain the prize, the eternal reward. Those who do evil are shortsighted; they don't see eternity nor do they fear it. Things may be pleasant for a while, but don't think they're ready for judgment.

Now, don't gloat. But rather, look at your life and make sure you're right with God.