Why Don’t I Have What They Have?

Q

I see with my own eyes that there are many sinners who are so blessed (stable career, strong financial status, a happy family with a beautiful partner, vibrant health, etc.) and I start to wonder since I am His child, why am I not enjoying all the blessings these sinners have? I also know of believers who are very successful in life and have the same blessings. Then the question is, why do God’s children seem to have different levels of blessing? Does God show favoritism among His children? Then it came into my mind that if I cannot even trust Him to bless me with all these things I see others enjoying, am I being naive to trust Him with my salvation?

A

The Lord had David write the answer to your question in Psalm 37. Here’s an excerpt:

“Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong, for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret–it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the LORD will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.” (Psalm 37:1-11)

Instead of asking why God is not giving you what you want, maybe you should try asking Him if you’re not doing what He wants. James said that we don’t have because we don’t ask, and when we do ask we don’t receive because our motives are wrong. (James 4:2-3) Maybe you’re being greedy, resentful, or jealous. Or maybe there’s some unconfessed sin in your life that’s interrupting your communication with God. You may be seeking material gain for your own pleasure instead of seeking His righteousness. I suggest you undertake a complete study of this Psalm, and ask the Lord to show you what the problem is, because Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10).