Summary
Why should we cry out to God in times of difficulty? What is it that makes God the one we should turn to, rather than “the bottle” or our own strength?
In Psalm 5, another song of individual lament by David, we see this question answered. We can cry out to God in times of difficulty because of God’s character, and as a result trust that he will lead us in the way of righteousness and vindicate us as he defeats our enemies.
Our passage explained
v1-3
Psalm 5 begins with a cry for help. We do not know the particular reason, only that King David cries to God for help, asking him to hear his words and “consider my groaning” (v.1). This cry is directed to “my King and my God, for to you do I pray” (v.2). David, Israel’s king, recognises that God is the true King of all creation and his God, so he groans in his distress and directs his prayer to God for help.
David does not pray only when he is in trouble, but regularly. “O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch” (v.3). David’s cry for help is an extension of his regular morning prayers, similar to the morning burnt sacrifices offered to God in the temple. The phrase “I prepare a sacrifice for you” can also be translated as “I lay my prayers before you” which indicates how the sacrifices from the true worshiper were a form of (and came with) prayers and requests to God.
v4-7
David is confident to cry out to God for help because of God’s character, which David describes in verses 4 to 7. God does not delight in wickedness, and “evil may not dwell with [him]” (v.4) because he is perfectly holy and hates all sin and evil (v.5).
God does not delight in boasters, evildoers, liars (v.5), and “bloodthirsty and deceitful” men (v.6). Nobody may come into God’s presence without forgiveness of sins and a substitutionary sacrifice in their place, because God does not tolerate sinners and their sins in his presence.
While sinners cannot enter God’s presence, King David can. In verse 7, David describes how “I, through the abundance of your steadfast love” will enter God’s presence (the temple) to worship him. David knows that the privilege of coming to God is the result of God’s steadfast lovingkindness expressed to his covenant people, which David is a part of by God’s grace and mercy.
v8-12
The character of God and the mercy shown to David motivates him to pray in verses 8 to 12 for his vindication. “Lead me, O LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me” (v.8). David prays for God to lead him in the road of righteousness, which is the path to true safety from his enemies.
David wants to be led by God because of his enemies’ character. Their lying, evil speech is a road to death, and their speech stinks like an open grave emits bad smells (v.9). Because of their evil deeds in rebellion to God, David asks God to “Make them bear their guilt … let them fall by their own counsels” and “cast them out” to everlasting judgment (v.10).
Unlike the fate of the evildoer, David asks that he and all who take refuge in [God] rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them” (v.11) so they will glorify God.
David asks this because of God’s character: “for you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favour as with a shield” (v.12). God showers those who trust him in blessings in hard times, and protects them with his favour like a shield protects a soldier from attack.
Our passage applied
David’s reflection on God’s character reminds us of the importance of holiness. While some today suggest that God loves and accepts them despite their many sins, this Psalm clearly says otherwise. As John states, “if we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). God does not accept in his sight those who rebel against him, speaking lies and doing evil deeds.
Instead it is the righteousness of Christ given to us by God’s merciful grace through faith which allows us to come into his presence to worship God. If we trust God, receive his forgiveness, and walk lives of thankfulness in the way of righteousness, God will lead us home to him and watch over us in times of distress.
Instead of the fate of the evildoer, trusting God in good times and difficult times will lead us on the path to joy. Because God is good he will watch over us and protect us, leading us to his presence where we will no longer be troubled by enemies, physical or spiritual. We will cast aside our crowns, and lost in love worship him there.
For a musical setting of Psalm 5:1-7, go here: https://gregorywilbur.bandcamp.com/track/hear-my-words-psalm-5
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