When Life Is Unfair and It’s Hard to Understand Why Wicked Prospers
Do you ever find yourself joining the Psalmist in wondering…
“So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is!”?
Psalm 73:16
Why does God allow His people to suffer while the wicked appear to prosper?
How often have you heard someone ask . . . Why did God? or Where was God?
Even adding…
Why should I try so hard to be good and miss all the “fun” when it seems like wickedness prospers?
Today in this last part of the letter to the Galatians, Paul wrote:
Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant.
Galatians 6:7
Are people really getting away with disobedience? Does wickedness really prosper? Or do we always “harvest what you plant?”
Our neighbors plant a garden every year and I’m sure they’d be super surprised if they planted beans and corn and ended up with peppers and okra.
Paul told his readers that the same is true in life. If you and I plant hatred we will not harvest love. If we plant fear we will not harvest peace. If we plant cruelty we will not harvest kindness.
But if we plant in faith and obedience we will harvest spiritual blessings. If we SEEK God first He promises we will have everything we need to endure whatever He allows.
No matter how things appear at the moment . . . God is always in control.
Paul added:
Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up.
Galatians 6:8–9
So, it all comes down to faith, doesn’t it?
Do we believe God’s promises or not? Promises like:
“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33b
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
2 Corinthians 12:9a (NIV)
No matter how evil appears to prosper today, God is in control and He will ultimately bless us through our trust and obedience.
A Prayer to Trust and Obey God When Wicked Appears to Prosper
Father, Please forgive me for failing to keep my heart and mind focused on You. Forgive me for looking around and comparing my life with the lives of those around me. Forgive me for failing to trust and obey You the way You want me to.
Please help me trust You completely with every moment of my life. Help me plant in faith seeds of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Please help me remember that You are always with me, that Jesus has overcome the enemy, and that Your grace is all I need for whatever You allow.
“Lord, I believe. Please help me overcome my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24) Please help me SEEK You above everything else . . . especially when I’m tempted by to ask “why” when life is hard and I don’t understand. By Your grace and with the power of Your Spirit, I will set my heart on You. Help me trust and obey You in ways that give You glory. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A number of years ago, we went through a season where “why” was the daily cry of my heart. I didn’t understand why God would allow the pain we were experiencing.
It was during that period that I grabbed my Bible and filled my days reading God’s Word.
And the Lord gave me this verse to claim as His truth for my life…
You guide me with your counsel,
Psalm 73:24–26
leading me to a glorious destiny.
Whom have I in heaven but you?
I desire you more than anything on earth.
My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,
but God remains the strength of my heart;
he is mine forever.
When I don’t understand His will, I trust Him to counsel and lead me. And I ask the Spirit to make the Lord my heart’s desire that I might count on Him to be the strength of my heart and all I need forever.
On today’s note write:
Even when wickedness seems to prosper, I trust the Spirit to help me live in faith and obedience.
May God bless you today. May He be the strength of your heart and your portion forever.
It is so true, Deb, that we reap what we sow. May we all sow seeds of goodness and faithfulness, knowing the harvest will be rich with God’s love.
Blessings!
Blessings to you as well! Have a wonderful day!
I asked this very question the other day…it’s so sad to see and hear all the lies and division and feeling helpless in the midst of it all…I lost my job because I spoke out (which is fine)…I see turmoil left, and right…the push of masks on my grand babies who do not want this…and all for what? It is a challenging time and I seek the wisdom of the Lord to guide me…but… some days are harder than others and I need these gentle reminders…Thanks Deb.
I’m glad it encouraged you, Lily! The Lord knows what I need and I’m always thankful when I learn that it blessed someone else. I have grandbabies wearing masks too. We will keep praying!! God bless and encourage you!
What an amazing reading today. I must admit that there are times I wonder why the wicked prosper, but even they may change and come to God through Christ. Wicket thoughts do sneak into my mind sometimes. It is hard to keep them out. I have thought the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; and this is true but not in the way I thought. I get richer in faith, love and trust in my Savior well the poor get further and further away from Christ. He is mine forever!!!!
Thanks so much, Marilyn! I struggle in my mind at times, too. Praise God for His grace, forgiveness, and patience! And for the blessings of rich faith and love. We can trust His promises. God bless you!
I too want to reap from a boutiful harvest in God’s field. It can be difficult at times to feel ok when everyday is a struggle. I ask the Lord to help me sow the seeds of kindness and of love, even when I don’t understand ally the “why’s” in my life. It may appear that the wicked prosper but God hears the cries of our hearts and our prayers. He knows what it best and whatever He allows, his grace is all sufficient. His strength is made perfect in our weakness. Jesus I trust in you! I feel blessed every time I read your devotional…..your words always help me, thank you!
Angela – Ireland