Asaph had been sorely troubled about “the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.” It seemed to him that “I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For,” he says, “all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.” It was not until he “went into the sanctuary of God” that he “understood … their end.” But though these doubts arose in his mind, he kept them to himself, lest “I should offend against the generation of Thy children.” How well it is that we believers keep our doubts and fears to ourselves, lest we should offend others who are seeking to walk with the Lord. “If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” Share your joys and victories; keep your doubts to yourself. “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man,” and “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” Tell your doubts to the Lord alone; “pour out your heart before Him: God is a refuge for us.” |