Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold. For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills. Therefore, pride is their necklace; they clothe themselves with violence.
This is what the wicked are like— always free of care, they go on amassing wealth. Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and have washed my hands in innocence. All day long I have been afflicted, and every morning brings new punishments. If I had spoken out like that, I would have betrayed your children. When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny.
Yet I am always with you; you hold me by my right hand.
You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. - Psalm 73 - Selected Verses
Dear heavenly Father, it is very easy for me to envy the wealthy carefree people around me that have no interest in you or living in repentance and faith. Sometimes you seem to bless them more than your struggling believers. It is comforting to know that a thousand years before your Son walked the earth that Asaph had the same inner struggle. And I love the solution you gave him. You are working in every life and we should never judge your justice until the end. That's when it all will make sense. I can live with your answer to wait because I know you gave up your son for me. If you saved me like that, I know you can be trusted when you temporarily bless a godless person. Help me to see my own worldliness when I am chaffed by their success and help me to want them to experience grace and not justice. Make me a patient, loving friend instead of an envious judge. AMEN
"Grief is good when it mourns what God hates, but it is dangerous when it questions God's goodness and love." - Paul David Tripp