Psalm 73 - Sonnet

Asaph's first psalm (73) of the eleven in the Hebrew Psalter (73-83) has been one of my favorite psalms.  It is a good psalm for renewing a godward perspective on life.  At first, Asaph, in brutal honesty tells of the doubts raging in his mind as he observes the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent injustice that they are not punished for their wickedness.  But when Asaph seeks the presence of the Lord, his mind is renewed, his perspective is changed and he realizes the uncertainty of this life and the hopelessness of temporal pleasure.

What follows is a paraphrase of Psalm 73 in sonnet form.  If you are familiar with sonnet form, you know that a sonnet is a 14-line poem comprised of 8 lines describing the conflict followed by 6 lines of resolution.  This form fits the composition of this psalm of Asaph nicely.  Lines 1-8 follow verses 1-16 of the psalm and lines 9-14 follow verses 17-28.

Read Psalm 73 then read this sonnet and renew your perspective to trust in your God!

The Lord indeed is good to those who seek

And love Him with a heart to see His hand

But I despaired to see and understand

That proud men prosper far beyond the meek

They live their lives of comfort and of ease

And mock the God that gave them breath of life

But have no retribution for their strife

While righteous writhe in spite of their good deeds

But when I sought the presence of the Lord

Then He made clear to me their dire end

Their judgment is as sure as God’s command

Eternal suffering is their just reward

Lord, Whom have I in heaven above but You?

You are my God, I’ll tell of all You do!