A devotional reflection on Psalm 5
Please read Psalm 5.
You can feel the tension. The groaning sounds that touch something deep within us resonate with our own cries to the Lord.
David brings his voice before the Lord, our God, asking Him to hear his words and consider his groaning. He lays out his requests before God, presenting everything that is on his heart. Then, he waits. And he watches.
David continues by writing about the righteousness of God. He contrasts God’s righteousness with the wickedness of those who reject Him and the judgement that follows. Yet, in the midst of this, David reminds us of God’s abundant love and mercy.
We want to run into the abundance of the Lord’s love. Through His mercy and grace, we can securely rest in His house. David speaks of those who take refuge in the Lord, those who can rejoice under His protection and favour. And so, David waits on the Lord with expectation, trusting in His righteousness and rejoicing in His goodness.
But we have something wonderful to hold on to. The sacrifice for our sins was fulfilled through the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Through Him, the way into the presence of our Father has been opened. We no longer need to bring a sacrifice for our sins. Jesus Christ has paid the price.
Let us take refuge in His finished work, knowing that through Him, we are welcomed into the presence of God.
Consider doing the same as David. Present your voice before the Lord. Lay out your troubles. Spend time with Him. Love Him. Read Scripture aloud. Ask Him directly for what is on your heart. Present yourself before Him in worship and thanksgiving.
And then, wait on Him. Watch expectantly. Know that when you take refuge in the Lord, you can rejoice. Not because of anything you have earned, but because He calls you into His righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Let us pray.
Lord, please hear our requests. Hear our voices. Hear our groanings as we come before You in the mornings. As we start our day, as we enter into the daylight hours, hear our voices.
We take refuge in You, our Lord and our God. Fill our mouths with songs of joy! Protect us, Lord. Lift us up for Your name’s sake. Cover us with Your favour as You call us into Your righteousness through Jesus Christ.
Guide us into Your rest. Let Your name be made holy and glorious. All honour belongs to You, our King.
We pray all this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
So rest in this: after you have presented yourself before the Lord, take refuge in His righteousness. Our God has shown us mercy and grace by opening the way to righteousness through Jesus Christ.
He hears us. He hears you.
He did not wash you clean just to leave you outside in the dust and rain. Go to Him. Take refuge in His love, and let your voice be heard by the One who paid the price to save you.