"Look Around"

"Look Around—See Where We Stand in Relation to the Wicked"

Psalm 73:2-12  But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; My steps had nearly slipped.  For I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.  For there areno pangs in their death, but their strength is firm.  They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men.  Therefore pride serves as their necklace; violence covers them like a garment.  Their eyes bulge with abundance; they have more than heart could wish.  They scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily.  They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth.  Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are drained by them.  And they say, How does God know?  And is there knowledge in the Most High?  Behold, these are the ungodly.  Who are always at ease; they increase in riches.

A.  This step is seen as a mistake because it makes his faith insecure (v. 2)

B.   He is envious of the prosperity of the wicked (vv. 3-5)—The Psalmist felt that the ungodly had prosperity, meaning they were well-fed, comfortable.  The ungodly enjoyed good health, while believers suffered from sickness and did not know how they would pay the doctor bills.

C.   He is upset because of the pride of the wicked (vv. 6-9)—The wicked did not give God the credit for their success, but rather took all the glory to themselves.

D.  He is disturbed by the popularity of the wicked (vv. 10-12)-The world worships those successful people and runs after them.  The worldly crowd worships wealth and success.  Who is on the cover of the magazines?  Brad and Angelina or the missionary that works all his life in Guatemala?

How do you answer these people.  How do you witness to a world that sees the godless prosper while the godly suffer?  Is it really worth it to be a believer?