‘Truly God is good to Israel, to those whose hearts are pure. But as for me, I almost lost my footing. My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone. For I envied the proud when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness. They seem to live such painless lives; their bodies are so healthy and strong. They don’t have troubles like other people; they’re not plagued with problems like everyone else. They wear pride like a jeweled necklace and clothe themselves with cruelty. These fat cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for! They scoff and speak only evil; in their pride they seek to crush others. They boast against the very heavens, and their words strut throughout the earth. And so the people are dismayed and confused, drinking in all their words. “What does God know?” they ask. “Does the Most High even know what’s happening?” Look at these wicked people— enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply. Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason? I get nothing but trouble all day long; every morning brings me pain. If I had really spoken this way to others, I would have been a traitor to your people. So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper. But what a difficult task it is! Then I went into your sanctuary, O God, and I finally understood the destiny of the wicked. Truly, you put them on a slippery path and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction. In an instant they are destroyed, completely swept away by terrors. When you arise, O Lord, you will laugh at their silly ideas as a person laughs at dreams in the morning. Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant— I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.’ Psalms 73:1-28 (NLT)
Envy results when we compare ourselves with others and conclude that they are better than us. Envy desires what others have and resents that one does not have it. An envious person cannot stand the success of others and always assumes that others have superior life or things than they do. Envious hearts murmur about fairness and that we should have what others are having.
The Psalmist is real when it comes to his emotions. He is not hiding behind a spiritual façade. He complains and questions God about the prosperity of the wicked. But in his doubt and frustrations, he seeks God. He does not run from God but runs toward God.
And the antidote of his envy is his delight in the presence of God. God is with you holding your hand and guiding you toward glory. The solution to our envious heart is not to possess the things of this world, but to possess God Himself. The healing balm to your envious heart is God. It is God that your heart is longing for. The things we pursue can give us temporal and fleeting joy, but true lasting joy is found only in Christ.
from Psalms: Dealing with Difficult Emotions