This doesn't only cause problems for people who claim to have no religion, but also for Bible believers. In Psalm 73 Asaph sums up the mood of believers when they sometimes see the apparent wealth, health and prosperity of unbelievers.
Psalm 73:2 But as for me, my feet had almost slipped; I had nearly lost my foothold.
3 For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.
4 They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong.
5 They are free from common human burdens; they are not plagued by human ills.
Seeing success in the hands of those that are obviously evil (or 'wicked' as Asaph says) raises all kinds of questions about God's goodness, justice and power. Asaph eventually finds answers to these questions when he sees ultimate and not just perceived wealth, health and prosperity. "When I tried to understand all this, it troubled me deeply till I entered the sanctuary of God; then I understood their final destiny. Surely you place them on slippery ground; you cast them down to ruin." Psalm 73:17,18
To be clear, this is what each and everyone of us deserves. The rich and arrogant aren't only others 'out there', but I am one of them as well. In one or two or all of my relationships I look down on other's needs - earning for myself the same judgment of Psalm 73:18. But a Christian has Christ! "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich." writes Paul to the Corinthians (2 Cor 8:9).
Prayer
Our Lord Jesus Christ, we are far richer, wealthier, healthier and prosperous than we think. We thank you that you gave us the one thing we could never buy for ourselves - our eternal forgiveness of our sins. Thank you Jesus, lamb of God. Amen
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