In our text we hear the exultant voice of sorely tried but nevertheless victorious faith. Asaph, the God-inspired singer of this immortal psalm, has pondered an old, old question that so often fills the heart of God's children with doubt and perplexity. It concerns God's moral government of this present world. The wicked, who so insolently defy God and His holy Law, grow rich and prosper, whereas the pious, who fear God and love His Word, are often in great trouble, downtrodden, and poor. How do these glaring inconsistencies agree with God's truth and justice?

Is it worth while to lead a pious, God-fearing life? Asaph confesses that the problem was too deep for him and nearly caused him to fall away from his God. But in his perplexity he went into the sanctuary, there to commune with God. And there all his doubts and fears were quieted. For God opened his eyes to see how all the boasted prosperity of the wicked was but a fleeting shadow, a dangerous illusion. Though God seemed to sleep and permit evil to triumph for a while, He would finally cast the wicked down into destruction and uphold His own truth and justice. Does not all history prove and substantiate what God told Asaph and what He still tells us in His sanctuary, His holy and infallible Word?

If we have ever doubted the wisdom and justice of God's government, let us repent and confess our folly, as did Job and as does Asaph in this psalm, and with him declare: "Nevertheless I am continually with Thee," O my faithful and merciful God! With Thee wherever Thou dost lead me. Thou holdest me by my right hand, and Thy counsel shall guide me through all my life; and afterwards Thou shalt receive me into eternal glory, where all the dark riddles of my life shall find their perfect solution.

[devotion text by Rev. F. W. Herzberger (1920) -
from the Family Altar - CPH (1957 edition)]
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