What Psalm 73 says about our obsession with prosperity

This world seems backward. Why do so many people that blaspheme God prosper financially? And why do so many Christians struggle to make ends meet?

The prosperity gospel has tried to fill the gap, but it falls short. You can’t name what you want and then claim that God owes it to you.

I came across a passage that helps us understand why the world is obsessed with prosperity, and how we should respond. There are many other places in the Bible that deal with this topic, but Psalm 73 for me was a fresh, concise line of thinking, reflected in my paraphrase below.

Walk with me through a narrative summary of Psalm 73:

• I (Asaph, the writer) envied the easy lives of the proud and prosperous.
• Always healthy and strong, no troubles like the rest of us.
• They flaunt their pride and have everything they could ever want!
• They boast and always try to outdo others.
• Everyone listens to them and are persuaded to follow them.
• This makes believers question God – does he even see what these blasphemers are doing and how they mock him?
• If they can succeed like this, what good is it to try to stay pure?
• No, I don’t want to blaspheme you, Lord.
• But really, why DO the wicked prosper?
• When I worshipped you, I realized they have no future – all their pleasures are short-lived.
• Then I realized I’ve been bitter toward them, which is foolish.
• You’ve not only promised me eternal glory, but you give me your wisdom and yourself here and now.
• Why should I want anything more than that while I’m on the earth?
• Even if I get physically sick and spiritually weak, you remain my strength.
• Those who abandon you will die and never see your glory.
• For now, I will enjoy your nearness.
• You will always watch over me.
• I will tell others about all the wonderful things you do.

While my paraphrase of the NLT isn’t perfect, I tried to capture the writer’s emotion, honest questions and humility. This part stood out to me: “You give me your wisdom and yourself here and now. Why should I want anything more than that while I’m on the earth?

Lord, free me of my earthly desires, and fill me with desire for you.

Seeking him,