“From the Heart” teaching by Drs. Rodney & Adonica Howard-Browne.

Truly God is [only] good to Israel, even to those who are upright and pure in heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone, my steps had well-nigh slipped. 3 For I was envious of the foolish and arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. Psalms 73:1-3 AMP

God is only good – not bad – to those who are upright and pure in heart. When those who belong to God start to put their eyes on the sinners and envy their prosperity, they open up a world of trouble for themselves. They have already taken their eyes off God and all He has done and all He will do for them. When we lose confidence in God’s care and concern for us and in His ability to meet our needs then we start to envy those who have nothing we really want. They don’t have God on their side. They have no eternal life. Their name is not written down in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Heaven is not waiting joyfully to receive them.

For they suffer no violent pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they smitten and plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride is about their necks like a chain; violence covers them like a garment [like a long, luxurious robe]. 7 Their eyes stand out with fatness, they have more than heart could wish; and the imaginations of their minds overflow [with follies]. 8 They scoff, and wickedly utter oppression; they speak loftily [from on high, maliciously and blasphemously]. 9 They set their mouths against and speak down from heaven, and their tongues swagger through the earth [invading even heaven with blasphemy and smearing earth with slanders]. Psalms 73:4-9 AMP

Prosperity makes the sinner arrogant. They think of themselves more highly than they ought and they have no respect for anyone – even for God.

Therefore His people return here, and waters of a full cup [offered by the wicked] are [blindly] drained by them. 11 And they say, How does God know? Is there knowledge in the Most High? 12 Behold, these are the ungodly, who always prosper and are at ease in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Surely then in vain have I cleansed my heart and washed my hands in innocency. 14 For all the day long have I been smitten and plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 Had I spoken thus [and given expression to my feelings], I would have been untrue and have dealt treacherously against the generation of Your children. Psalms 73:10-15 AMP

The devil tries to put doubt in the minds of God’s people and turn them against Him. They start to feel like everything they have done to serve and honor God has been futile. The worst thing you can do when you are feeling bad and thinking negative is to speak it out. Power is released by the spoken word. The power of faith is released by faith-filled words and the power of fear is released when negative, fearful words are spoken. Things are put into motion when you speak them out – whether good or bad! When you speak out your anger and bitterness against God and against your situation, you are not speaking the truth and you are speaking like a traitor, because God loves you and He is ONLY good to His kids!

But when I considered how to understand this, it was too great an effort for me and too painful 17 Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood [for I considered] their end. 18[After all] You do set the [wicked] in slippery places; You cast them down to ruin and destruction. 19 How they become a desolation in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors! 20 As a dream [which seems real] until one awakens, so, O Lord, when You arouse Yourself [to take note of the wicked], You will despise their outward show. Psalms 73:16-20 AMP

There is a Day of Reckoning. Every man will be judged and will receive their reward or punishment. No man can set himself against God and live! His end is devastation.

For my heart was grieved, embittered, and in a state of ferment, and I was pricked in my heart [as with the sharp fang of an adder]. 22 So foolish, stupid, and brutish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You; You do hold my right hand. 24 You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to honor and glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And I have no delight or desire on earth besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the Rock and firm Strength of my heart and my Portion forever. 27 For behold, those who are far from You shall perish; You will destroy all who are false to You and like [spiritual] harlots depart from You. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God; I have put my trust in the Lord God and made Him my refuge, that I may tell of all Your works. Psalms 73:21-28 AMP

Even though you may go through some very difficult times, if you will remember that God is on your side, if you will put your eyes back on Him, and place your trust fully in Him, He will forgive and forget your little “wobbly” and be there for you once again. You see God would never leave you. If you felt far from Him, it is because you are the one who walked away from Him. Whom do you have in heaven but your God? He is your rock, firm Strength of your heart and your Portion forever. He is all you have and all you need. It is good for you to draw closer to God, put your trust in Him, and make Him your refuge, because when you do, you will have a great testimony to tell of His goodness to you!