FAITH CAPSULE: God is in total control and the world has not gone out of His control.

Psalm 73

Jeremiah identified who the wicked are in Jeremiah 12:2, “…You are near in their mouth but far from their mind.” They are the ones with the word in their mouth but not in their heart. The Psalmist pointed out several characteristics of the wicked in Psalm 73. The wicked are: not in trouble as other men, pride serves as their necklace, violence covers them like a garment, their eyes bulge in abundance, and they have more than eyes could wish. He went further to identify the wicked by stating: they scoff and speak wickedly concerning oppression, they speak loftily, they set their mouth against heaven and their tongue walks through the earth. Have you been able to identify any of the wicked identities in you? The psalmist also called them ungodly. Indeed wickedness is ungodly and many are actually caught up in it without knowing. The identities of the wicked went further as it was pointed out that they are ones who always at ease and they increase in riches. The psalmist could not hide his feelings when he stated, “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.” (Psalm 73:2-3) Just as it was in the days of the psalmist, so it is today. Nothing has changed in the operation or the characters of the wicked ones. The good thing is that God neither slumber nor sleeps. Therefore He sees all that is going on around Him. Are you weary of seeing how the wicked prosper? God is in total control of the universe and it does not matter how much the population increases, God is still in control. As believers who want to see the end of the wicked reign we have to remain focus and not be partakers in acts of wickedness. Rest assured that the prosperity of the wicked will not last, their wealth will not count before God, their pleasure will vanish, and it will not be recognized before God. Clearly, the psalmist gained a proper perspective of life after death and that the righteous will live with God forever. The wicked shall perish and the righteous will draw near to God. Do not be envious of the wicked, take heed to the word of the psalmist, “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 Your works.” (Psalm 73:28) 

Prayer for today: Lord I ask for a heart to fear You in every area of my ways. Let me not end up in the way of the wicked.