PSALM 73

Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me; Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord GOD, that I may declare all thy works.  (Psalm 73, KJV)

Psalm 73

The Honest Doubter Triumphs

The author, Asaph, a pious Jew and
Musician, was doubting his belief.
Why would God allow scoundrels to
Get rich while he struggled in grief.

He writes, “Surely God is good to Israel, who
Are pure in heart,” but “ the wicked live
Carefree, they increase in wealth.” Had he
Faithed God in vain; while the wicked thrive?

But when he went to worship his heart
Was cleansed, and his mind began to see
God’s perspective. The destiny of the
Wicked is hell’s forever assignee.

And then the glorious triumph burst in
Upon him:

     “You hold me by my right hand.
  You guide me with your counsel.
      And afterward you will take me into glory.
   Whom have I in heaven but you?          
     And earth has nothing I desire besides you.
   My flesh and my heart may fail,
      But God is the strength of my heart
     And my portion forever.

   “Those who are far from you will perish; 
       you destroy all who are unfaithful to you.
    But as for me, it is good to be near God.
       I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge;
      I will tell of all your deeds.”

(c) Rex H. Henderson 2003

  Index of Poems      Next Poem