February 3rd, 2013
Today’s reading from Encounter with God

Praise that Pleads

Please see the links to our EXTRA Bible Study notes at the bottom of the page.

Opening Prayer

Lord, on this Your day, I come for rest and refreshment in You. Lift my burden of cares, ambitions, and fears.

Read Psalm 5:1-12

[1] For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David. Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament. [2] Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. [3] In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. [4] For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. [5] The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; [6] you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, LORD, detest. [7] But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple. [8] Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies- make your way straight before me. [9] Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. [10] Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. [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. [12] Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.

Meditate

“There is a distinct manifestation of God’s rule which enters the environment of praise. Here is a remedy for times when you feel alone, deserted, or depressed: praise” (Jack Hayford).

Think Further

The setting of the psalm is not clear, but it could easily have been used as a night vigil or to accompany the morning prayers and sacrifices in the temple. It blends both the assurance of faith and the plea of the sufferer in a beautiful alternating structure of praise and prayer. The psalm reflects both confidence in God and the reality of the problems faced. The enemies (8-11) could be the psalmist’s inner thoughts, personal opponents, or even David’s political and national foes. The writer’s honest and heartfelt cry is for them to get what they deserve. For modern readers with sensitive dispositions, this does not seem right. Didn’t Jesus command us to love our enemies? Didn’t he forgive them?

The psalmist does not hide his deepest feelings. His call for judgment comes from the pain he feels, of rejection and plotting against him. He offers this to God in prayer, and knows that God is available to hear him, loving enough to understand him, and just and powerful enough to do what is right. If we really believe God is in control, we can trust him to deal with our enemies and all that is wrong and evil in the world.

Confidence in God comes in the times of trial as much as in the times of peace. The test of faith is not when we face no stress, pressure or trial, but when we live in the midst of them. That is why our morning sacrifice of prayer, praise, confidence and trust is even more necessary. To live our lives in the service of God and his people, we need to be tested by circumstances, people, and our own personal struggles. How will you combine the challenges you face today with an attitude of trust and praise?

Apply

List your reasons to praise God, the qualities of God that give you confidence in his love, and your own personal needs for God’s help.

Closing prayer

Father, what confidence I feel when I remember that You inhabit the praises of Your people! Amidst the struggles of my life, fill me anew with Your joy and peace.

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