In our study of Psalm 5, we look at David's prayer when he was being attacked by his enemies. We see how, during that attack, he chose to run to God and worship Him by remembering the character of God.
For the director of music. For flutes. A Psalm of David
Psalm 5:1 & 2
"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my sighing. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray." NIV translation
We see that David knew where to go with his concerns. Many times we want to try all kinds of other things such as the advice of men or our own efforts before we resort to calling on the Lord.
"In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation." NIV translation
We see that not only did David take his concerns to God but he expected an answer from God and waited for it. "In the morning" speaks to the fact that some time passed between the time of David's prayer and God's answer (the Jewish day begins in the evening). Many times we go to God in prayer and just tell Him what we want and don't wait for Him to answer. If we wait and listen to the Lord, He will answer and guide us in His perfect will.
Psalm 5:4
"You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell." NIV translation
This ability to run to God with your prayers is only for His children. God does not allow the wicked (sinners) in His presence. After we have been cleansed from sin by the blood of Jesus Christ, then we have the right and the ability to go to the Father in prayer.
Psalm 5:5 & 6
"The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the Lord abhors." NIV translation
We have all heard that "God is love" and that is true but God also hates sin. Here, we see that, no matter how much He loves us, God does not and will not tolerate sin in His presence. Love is a characteristic of God but it is not the only one. The good news is that we can stand in His presence when Jesus washes our sins away with His blood.
Psalm 5:7
"But I, by your great mercy, will come into your house; in reverence will I bow down toward your holy temple." NIV translation
It is because of God's mercy that, instead of being punished as we deserved, we are allowed into His presence. When we come into the presence (house) of God, we do so in humility (bowing) and awe (reverence) as we see Him for who He is.
Psalm 5:8
"Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies - make straight your way before me." NIV translation
David ran to God for direction when faced with the struggle. He prays for God's guidance and that is a shining example of what we can do in the face of our trials. Many times, we try all kinds of other things and even seek the advice of men but the real answer is found when we seek the way of God. The good news for us, today, is that Jesus sent us a Counselor that is with us every day and every hour. That is the Holy Spirit and we can listen for His guidance and be confident that we will be led on that "straight way" that David was seeking.
Psalm 5:9
"Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with destruction. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongue they speak deceit." NIV translation
David realized that the words of those that do not have the love of God in their hearts are not to be trusted. It seems that there is a so-called expert for everything today that is willing to give advice. If they do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, their advice cannot be from the giver of wisdom which is God and so it should not be trusted.
Psalm 5:10
"Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you." NIV translation
David cries out for God to deal with his enemies and realizes that it is only God who has the right to judge anyone. Many times, we forget this and want to take matters in our own hands to condemn the actions of others. Instead, we need to spend more time in prayer, just as David did, asking for God to deal with the people and their ways.
Psalm 5:11
"But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you." NIV translation
In the middle of this battle, David remembers that God is on his side and sings for joy. He remembers that God is our protector and praises Him during the persecution because he knows he will be delivered. That same promise is for all who are children of God. We see a dramatic example of this with the two witnesses of Revelation 11.
Psalm 5:12
"For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield." NIV translation
The righteous (those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord) are blessed by God. This blessing speaks to a lack of fear as we do not have to fear the wrath of God nor do we have to fear the wrath of men.
In our study of Psalm 11, we will look at the fact that we all have to make a choice when faced with evil as to whether we stand in faith or flee in fear.