Devotionals by Raul Ries

FRIDAY April 17, 2026

Are You Envious of the Wicked?

Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. 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 73:1-3

The psalmist Asaph was a man just like us. For a time, he took his eyes off the Lord and placed them on the prosperity of the wicked. Asaph needed to be more like Moses who knew that the pleasures of sin and the treasures of this world were passing. Moses kept his eyes looking toward the reward––eternity.

Asaph went on to say, For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men (Psalm 73:4-5). What he was saying was not true; the wicked do go through their own trials and problems. They get sick just like we get sick. They may be prosperous, but they often feel empty and unhappy in life. Many drown themselves in alcohol and try to forget their problems by taking drugs. They need Jesus just as much as we do!

Asaph was feeling sorry for himself, thinking, I love you, I serve you, and yet look at me. I don't have anything but troubles. Does that sound like you today? When you awake each morning, are you dealing with financial problems, work conflicts, or issues with your spouse or children and you are driven you to your knees to ask, “Where is God?”  “Is He going to help me?”

When Asaph finally came to his senses, he wrote: Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end (Psalm 73:17). What did he realize? Nevertheless, I am continually with You; You hold me by my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, and afterwards, receive me into glory (Psalm 73:23-24).

When you come into the house of the Lord to hear God’s Word, do you gain the right perspective of life? Are you comforted? It is in church that you will learn about the future hope of eternity. You will also begin to consider the unhappy end of the ungodly ...those who are far from you will perish (Psalm 73:27). As a Christian, you are blessed by the Lord.

My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
~Psalm 73:26~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!