Daily EncouragementSample

This is a perennial temptation for the good and the godly, and at the back of it lies a problem. The wicked appear prosperous, carefree and successful in spite of their arrogance, their evil schemes and their contempt for God.

The problem comes to the fore on a world scale. So Habakkuk remonstrates with God concerning the Babylonian invasion: “Why are you silent while the wicked swallow those more righteous than themselves?” (Hab. 1:13). It affects preachers of the word. So Jeremiah wrestles with his predicament as he asks, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?” (Jer. 12:1). The humble believer feels that the struggle to live a holy life is almost useless: “Surely in vain have I kept my heart pure; in vain have I washed my hands in innocence.” (Ps. 73:13).

The answer of God’s word is consistent. It bids us look to the end and reminds us that evil has no future. We are not to jump to conclusions about the immediate situation. We are to view what is happening from the divine perspective. “When I tried to understand all this, it was oppressive to me till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny” (Ps. 73:16-17).