I know that God is good to us, to all whose hearts are pure
But as for me I almost slipped, my footholds were obscure
It started when I noticed that the wicked had it best
It seemed they got their every wish and never were distressed
Such easy, healthy, prosp’rous lives, in spite of pride and vice
They scoff at heaven, mock what’s right, deny they’ll pay the price
“God doesn’t know or doesn’t care,” they boast in all their ease
Pursuing all their wanton lusts, they do whate’er they please.

But what do I get in return for efforts to do right?
Is it in vain I try so hard to stay pure in Your sight?
Both day and night my life is pressed by troubles, pains, and grief
E’en though I strive for innocence, I never get relief
I dare not utter these complaints betraying what is true
I would not want to undermine Your people’s trust in You
I set myself to understand the reason it was so
But my best efforts were in vain, I simply didn’t know.

Then finally I took my case into God’s sanctuary
And there discovered that His judgment on them would not tarry
Their feet are on a slipp’ry slope and they will surely fall
So suddenly their end will come, fate nothing can forestall
The Lord awakes and laughs at all their proud imaginations
Like morning mist will disappear their dreams and aspirations
On seeing this I re’lized just how senseless and shortsighted
My bitter, anxious, envious thoughts my attitude had blighted.

You never have let go of me, You hold me by the hand
You guide me with Your counsel, helping me to understand
My destiny in You is sure, Your glory I will share
There is no one in heav’n or earth with whom I can compare
My mind and body, they may fail, but You will faithful be
Whereas all those who stray from You, Your judgment soon will see
My God is always by my side, how good to know He’s there
A refuge is the Lord my God, His works I will declare.

© 2014 J Dan Small