A poem on Psalm 73.
I envied first the Proud and vain,
their Wealth untouched by grief or pain.
Their Lives seemed smooth—their paths so wide, —
while I walked hard with God as my Guide.
They adorn themselves with their Pride
and in Violence they do stride.
“Does God not see?” they Mock and say
while piling Treasures on their way.
I pondered this and felt Betrayed.
Why should my Righteous steps degrade?
Yet when I entered Church’s gate,
I saw their end—their Fleeting state.
Like Dreams that vanish with the dawn,
their strength Decays—their riches withdrawn.
The Lord, I found, is Just and true, —
their fall was Swift, their hope askew.
Then I Confessed my bitter thoughts, —
the Doubts my weary heart had brought.
For Thou art near, my Portion and grace,
when my heart fails during this Race.
Whom have I, Lord, in Earth or sky?
I desire naught but Thou to be Nigh.
My flesh may Falter and strength depart,
but God remains the Strength of my heart.
To those who Wander far from Thee
to engage in their Harlotry,
destruction shall be their Just end,
but as for me, Thou art my Friend.
The Lutheran Column 