“Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him;
do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.”
Psalm 37:7

Things seem to be upside down as one looks at the world and can’t help but notice that the wise and worldly and wealthy of the world seem to prosper, and those who follow the Lord many times are the lowly. Why is this so?

There’s a reason. A very real reason.

From the beginning, God’s creation was “good,” and Adam was given the rights over the earth. But when Satan succeeded in getting Adam to sin, that rebellion let sin enter the world and gave Satan the rights over the earth. Satan became “the god of this world” (2nd Corinthians 4:4). His followers are “the rulers of the darkness of this age” (Ephesians 6:12). So what would anyone expect as a result of this? Satan has blinded and corrupted them.

THE GOD OF THIS WORLD has blinded the minds of unbelievers…
2nd Corinthians 4:4

“…according to THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR,
the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience…”
Ephesians 2:2

So the whole world is under Satan’s dominion, and that’s why everything is the opposite of what it should be. One needs to understand this thoroughly before it will make sense that evil men prosper, and that they prosper by evil scheming and careful planning in order to get their way and not be found out. This is so obvious, isn’t it? Know that Satan is behind it all. He is behind everything evil in the world, being that he is “the god of this world.” How evident this is in the governments of the world! Evil men aren’t content only to prosper, but they hate those who follow the Lord, just as Cain hated Abel.

“The wicked plots against the just, and gnashes at him with his teeth.
The Lord laughs at him, for he sees that his day is coming.”
Psalm 37: 12-13

It’s only for a time. Jesus obtained the rights to the earth when he gave himself in sacrifice for our redemption. When he returns, the whole thing will be reversed and “the last shall be first and the first last” (Matthew 20:16).

We need to remember this when we see the wicked prosper, and it must not be grievous to us because yet a little while and it’s all going to change. It’s important therefore, not to become bitter over what we presently see. Satan will assault every born-again believer with hateful thoughts and feelings of anger, but resist that because it only hurts you, not them.

“Cease from anger, and forsake wrath.
Do not fret – it only causes harm.”
Psalm 37:8

Instead, focus your mind on the things of God. Worship and praise him. Delight yourself with the remembrance of all he has done for you, enjoy the knowledge of his love for you, and rest in the promises he has made for the future.

vs 10:
“For yet a little while and the wicked shall be no more;
indeed, you will look carefully for his place, but it shall be no more.”

It’s all going to change. Totally. And forever.

In the meantime, trust the Lord:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer
and supplication, with thanksgiving,
let your requests be made known to God;
and THE PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses all understanding,
will GUARD your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7