“But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” Psalm 73:28

We all must be brutally honest with ourselves sometimes, especially when we witness the inequalities and ill treatment faced by so many in our world. Even as faithful Christians, we may wonder why the wicked appear to prosper while many of God’s children suffer.

In moments of weakness, let us turn to Psalm 73 and look at the prophet Asaph. The scripture gives an eye-opening account of his despair at seeing the prosperity of the wicked. He clearly paints a picture of how it appears when the wicked seem to triumph; they possess wealth to afford the best of what seems like a successful and enjoyable lifestyle.

This seemed bleak to Asaph. Faithful and God-fearing men appeared to struggle with even the necessities of life, while being taken advantage of by the wealthy. Above all these things, the wicked even blasphemed God as though He didn’t exist. He wondered about his faithfulness and commitment to following God’s commands. His thoughts were too painful for him to bear.

But then, at that moment, something wonderful happened to him. Psalm 73:17 says, “Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end.” Not until he refocused his thoughts and drew near to God could he spiritually see the truth of it all. The unjust were only prospering for a season. “I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a green bay tree. Yet he passed away, and, lo, he was not: yea, I sought him, but he could not be found.” Psalm 37:35.  

By understanding this, Asaph could view their circumstances through the lens of eternity. Though the wicked seem to receive the best this world offers, they will ultimately forfeit eternal life. “For the LORD loveth judgment, and forsaketh not his saints; they are preserved for ever: but the seed of the wicked shall be cut off.”

Therefore, he wrote in Psalm 73:28, “But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.” He resolved to trust in the omnipotence and faithfulness of God and His goodness.

My friends, in times like these, let us draw nearer to God, just as Asaph did, and trust in His omnipotence and faithfulness. In doing so, we can be assured of His protection, provision, and the fulfillment of His divine plans.

For now… we only have a partial view of what the future holds. 1 Corinthians 13:12 tells us, “For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

God’s amazing grace is unfailing towards those who love Him. The word of the Lord gives us comfort in knowing that the light afflictions we face in this life are only working for our good. They bring far greater riches in heaven. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” 2 Corinthians 4:17. 

Let us all pray to draw near to God, remain faithful, and trust God our Savior. He is up to something far beyond anything we could ever imagine. “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9.

I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice,

And it told Thy love to me;

But I long to rise in the arms of faith,

And be closer drawn to Thee.

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To the cross where Thou hast died;

Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord,

To Thy precious, bleeding side.

-Fanny Crosby

God’s blessings of peace and unspeakable joy be with you!