Psalm 5

What comes to mind when you read the psalmist’s lament about those that are wicked, evil doers, proud, liars, deceivers and those whose tongues are filled with flattery? I think Psalm 5 could have been written yesterday about the state of politics in our country. However, the psalmist is not depressed by all this deception. Why?

First, the phrases the psalmist uses, such as, “O Lord, hear me”, “pay attention”,  “listen to my cry” and “listen to my voice”, are rhetorical. They are not requests seeking to get God’s attention; they are affirmations that God is listening to the prayers of the psalmist. This is the same confidence expressed by the Apostle John, “And we are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him.” (1 John 5:14) This may be a good time to reflect on your personal prayer life. Do you call out to the heavens, hoping someone up there may hear you? Or, do your prayers express your heart’s desires as though you were personally speaking with your best friend?

Secondly, the psalmist’s confidence expressed his trust that God will lead, care, protect and provide for him. His trusting heart overflows in worship. Worship and depression are mutually exclusive. Worship and depression are either/or. The psalmist chooses worship as a reflection of his trust in God. I think that’s the choice I want to make for my life.

What’s your choice?

What word or phrase in these verses

Attracts your attention?

Reflect on that word or phrase.

What insights come to you?

How does this passage touch your life today?

May 6, 2012            Psalm 6