15 If I would let my thoughts so lead
to speak with doubting words this way,
behold, I then would certainly
the children you have called betray.
16 But though the facts I tried to see,
the problem deeply troubled me.
17 I entered then God’s dwelling place
and there I understood their end;
18 you set them in a slippery place,
and to destruction them you send.
19 How rapidly destroyed are they,
by sudden terrors swept away!
20 As from a dream you, Lord, awake;
then you their image will despise.
21 My heart’s with grief about to break
and bitter thoughts within me rise.
22 A thoughtless wretch and blind I’ve been
and have let loose the beast within.
23 Yet constantly I am with you;
you’ve taken hold of my right hand.
24 Your counsel shows me what to do,
and guides me in the things I plan;
and afterward so shall it be,
with honor you will welcome me.
25 Are you not all I have in heav’n?
None else on earth do I desire.
26 Though human strength will reach an end,
my flesh may fail, my heart expire,
my heart’s strength God himself will be,
my portion through eternity.
27 Those far from you will surely die;
you cause all faithless ones to cease.
28 But as for me, I will draw nigh.
How good that God is near to me!
I take my refuge in the LORD,
that all your works I may record.
– Book of Psalms for Worship, alt.
Oremus 