Psalm 5; 38; 41-42

by Adam Johnson

O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes; Make Your way straight before me. There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself. Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, O God; By their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, For they are rebellious against You. But let all who take refuge in You be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; and may You shelter them, that those who love Your name may exult in You. For it is You who blesses the righteous man, O LORD, You surround him with favor as with a shield.   Psalm 5:8-12


David in this Psalm is making an earnest plea for help, and contrasting those without God with his own life before God. The wicked man trusts only in what he can accomplish with his schemes and who they can manipulate with their tongue - they trust in themselves rather than God. In contrast, David makes it clear that he only wants God to lead, protect, and structure his life. 

The man who entrusts his fears to God receives more than just a listening ear - he gets the benefit of the peace and joy that only God can give.  When we let God have control over every aspect of our life the psalmist tells us what to expect - "be glad...sing for joy...exult in you."  If someone were to come to you and give you the wildest desire of your heart - would that take care of all of your problems for the rest of your life?

There is a place where we can find protection from all of life's fears, failures, and foes.  It can only be found one place - by trusting in the One who saved our soul. The benefit of a simple prayer, a request made of God - to know and obey Him can change every aspect of our life.  We receive joy, blessing from God Himself, and God's favor to surround him. The only way to obtain these precious gifts is by making Him the only One we trust and seek.