“Why does God allow good things to happen to bad people?”……This question is similar to its opposite: “Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?”…Both questions refer to what seems to be the perplexing injustice we witness every day.

The 73rd Psalm is our answer to the very same questions that also tormented the psalmist. Finding himself in terrible distress and agony of soul he writes,

Psalms 73:2-3

But as for me, I almost lost my footing.My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.…The writer of this Psalm was a man named Asaph, a leader of one of the temple choirs. Obviously, he was not a wealthy man, but rather one who had dedicated his life to serving God (see 1 Chronicles 25).

But, like us, he had experienced some difficulties and questioned the injustice of it all. He watched the evil people around him living by their own rules, enjoying all the wealth and pleasures of the world and piling riches upon riches. He complains

Psalms 73:4-5

They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong.…They don't have troubles like other people; they're not plagued with problems like everyone else.

Asaph was looking at these people who didn’t have problems. They could pay their bills. They had plenty to eat and plenty of luxuries. But poor Asaph was stuck with directing the choir and trying to live godly. And to add insult to injury, it didn’t seem to be getting him anywhere. He began not only to envy these people, but even to question God as to why He would allow such a thing to happen!…How often do we find ourselves relating to Asaph? We dedicate our lives to serving God. Then we witness the wicked, the ungodly people around us get new cars, luxurious homes, promotions, beautiful clothes, and take fabulous trips, while we struggle to pay the electric bill. The answer lies in the rest of the psalm. Asaph envied these evil people until he realized one very important thing. When he entered the sanctuary of God, he fully understood their final destiny:

Psalms 73:16-20

So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!…Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.…When you arise, O Lord,you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning.

Those who have temporary riches on earth are in reality spiritual beggars because they do not have true riches-eternal life.…There are many times when we do not understand what is happening to us, nor do we understand how providence works. When Asaph entered the sanctuary of God, he began to see that there was no need for him to be envious of the prosperity of the wicked because their prosperity is in reality an illusion. He began to comprehend that the ancient deceiver, Satan, had played tricks with his vision and used lies to distract him from the reality of God. Upon entering the sanctuary, he realized that prosperity is a fleeting fulfillment, a fashion show of what is to pass away, like a pleasant dream that pleases us only for a little while but when we awaken, we realize it was not real. Asaph rebukes himself for his own stupidity. He admits to being "senseless and ignorant" to envy the wicked or to be jealous of the perishing. His thoughts then returned to his own happiness in God when he realized how much more joy, fulfillment and true spiritual prosperity he had in the Creator.…We may not have everything we want here on earth, but we will one day prosper for all eternity through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Whenever we are tempted to try the other road, we should remember that the other road is a dead end

Matthew 7:13

"You can enter God's Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell(Greek The road that leads to destruction.) is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way.

But in all truth, the narrow road before us through Jesus is awesome and is the only road that leads to eternal life. That should be our joy and our comfort.

Psalm 73:25

Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth.

Psalm 73:27-28

Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you.…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.

We need not concern ourselves when good things seem to happen to bad people. We only need to keep our focus on our Creator and enter into His presence every day through the portal of His holy Word. There we will find truth, contentment, spiritual riches and eternal joy.