Truly God is good.
But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. Seriously.
Ya see, I envied the proud when I saw them prosper (despite their wickedness).
They seem to live such painless lives, ya know? Their bodies are so healthy and strong.
They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. Like me.
They wear pride like one of those jeweled necklaces, sparkling on the red carpet, worn by millionaire starlets. It almost seems like they clothe themselves with cruelty.
These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for, man! Meanwhile I muddle through, barely makin’ it some days.
They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others like you and me.
They brag against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth.
And so the people are dismayed, confused, yet drink in all their words.
“What does God know?” these wicked ones scoff. “Does he even know what’s happening down here? Does he even CARE?”
Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Good grief.
Meanwhile, I work hard at being a good Christian. So, did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?
I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain.
If I’d talked that way to other people, I’d be labeled a traitor.
So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. It’s a question for the ages, for sure.
It truly disturbed me, so I spent some time in prayer and meditation, Lord, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked.
I get it now. You’ve put them on a slippery path, sending them sliding over the cliff to their own destruction.
In an instant…BOOM!…they’re destroyed, completely swept away by terrors.
Someday You’ll rise up against them, Lord, and will laugh at their fanatical ideas, just like we laugh at dreams the morning after.
But then, another realization: my heart was bitter. I was all torn up inside.
I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to You, God!
What do I care what happens to the rich? What do I care if they mock “commoners” like me?
I feel like such a loser sometimes, but I still belong to You; You still hold my hand, to keep me from slipping.
You guide me, counsel me, leading me to a glorious destiny.
Who else do have I in heaven but You, God? I desire You more than anything on earth.
So I say to the world, to the wickedly prosperous: “My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever.
Those who desert Him will perish. End of story.”
All I can see is that it’s GREAT to walk with God! I have made You, Lord, my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things You do.
Amen and amen.
(Modified prayer, originally uttered by King David, taken almost verbatim from Psalm 73, New Living Translation)
Broken People 