1 God loves all the righteous; his goodness is sure.
He always remembers the good and the pure.
Yet once my faith faltered; I envied the proud.
In doubt and disquiet my spirit was bowed.
2 The wicked all prosper, and firm is their health;
they suffer no pangs as they gather their wealth.
They never are troubled with sickness or pain,
but boast to all others of ill-gotten gain.
3 In garments of boasting and violence decked,
with wealth more abundant than heart could expect,
they scoff at the helpless, make fun of the poor;
with curses they charge against heaven's own door.
4 They question God's knowledge and boldly defy
the might and the justice of God the Most High.
The wicked, grown wealthy, have comfort and peace,
while I, daily chastened, see troubles increase.
5 Forgetting God's children, I cried out in pain
that clean hands are worthless and pure hearts are vain.
But then in God's temple my doubts were dispelled;
the end of their journey I clearly beheld.
6 In doubt and temptation, I rest, LORD, in you;
my hand is in your hand, whatever I do.
You always are with me; you guide with your word,
and soon into glory will take me, O LORD.
7 Whom have I, O Savior, in heaven but you?
On earth for none other I long but for you.
My flesh and my heart may be weakened and sore,
but God is the strength of my heart evermore.
8 All those who forsake you will perish and die,
but, near to my Savior, most blessed am I.
I make you my refuge, my LORD and my God;
your grace and your glory I publish abroad.