Passage: Psalm 5
The Big Idea
Prayer both grows and shows humility. David brings his words, his groaning and his requests to his King each morning, then waits and watches. Pride can’t stand before God, but through Jesus we’re welcomed into His house as beloved children, surrounded by His favor like a shield.
Reflections
Give ear to my words (vv. 1-2). Faith brings our words and emotions to God and keeps asking Him to deliver. Why waste time pleading with anyone else when God hears? Humility sees Him as King and God, with absolute power, knowledge and authority.
In the morning (v. 3). My relationship with God comes first. He meets with me each morning, and those meetings grow a relationship: I pray in humility, then wait and watch in faith.
You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness (vv. 4-6). God can’t dwell with self-sourced independence like Adam’s. Yet Jesus came to dwell with people consumed by sin, and through His death and resurrection He changed us so that we can dwell with God. Pride won’t stand; God opposes it, whether it boasts or simply refuses to trust Him. And God’s judgment on sin is real. He poured it out on Jesus at the cross. Thank You, Jesus, for becoming sin for me.
But as for me (v. 7). Through Jesus we enter God’s house as children and heirs, and His love is set on us. Children want nothing more than to enjoy their parents. Receiving that perfect love produces humility: I bow in awe. When I’m amazed by God, that’s worship, and it’s my portion. There’s no reason to run away. Just stay and be amazed at the love and grace of Jesus.
Lead me (v. 8). Enemies try to distract me from this relationship, but that only makes me look more intently to You. Take me by the hand like a little child and show me each step.
Their throat is an open tomb (vv. 9-10). The enemy’s whole plan is lies and destruction. I can’t take them on myself. I’ll stand behind my Father and let Him do the fighting. The fight is really with Him anyway.
Let all who take refuge in You rejoice (v. 11). Taking refuge is humble dependence: abiding in trustful rest. Our only “burden” is singing for joy. Abiding in Christ is the most joyful experience in the world.
You surround him with favor like a shield (v. 12). God’s desire is to bless the righteous: those clothed in the righteousness of His beloved Son. It’s His nature to pour out grace, surround us with grace and protect us with grace.
Grace Takeaway
Lord, help me see Your grace poured out in my life today. I cast myself on Your faithfulness, because I can do nothing apart from You.
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