Refuge In God (Psalm 5)

Do we pray for God’s help and wait expectantly? Can we discern enemy tactics and rejoice that God shields us? Let’s look at Psalm 5.

Is some prayer a cry for help? Do we pray in the morning? Do we wait expectantly?

Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray. In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Ps 5:1-3 NIV)

Does God hate wickedness, boasting, iniquity, falsehood, homicide and deceit?

For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, Nor shall evil dwell with You. The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; The Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. (Ps 5:4-6 NKJV)

Why can we bow before God in prayer? How can we understand the right way to follow?

Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house; I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe. Lead me in the right path, O Lord, or my enemies will conquer me. Make your way plain for me to follow. (Ps 5:7-8 NLT)

How do we discern our enemies in the community? Do we see through unfaithful destructive talk, words that are death, flattery and rebellion against God?

For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their heart is destruction. Their throat is an open tomb. They flatter with their tongue. Hold them guilty, God. Let them fall by their own counsels. Thrust them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against you. (Ps 5:9-10 WEB)

Can we celebrate if God is our refuge? Can God shield us with His favor?

But let all who take refuge in you celebrate. Let them sing out loud forever! Protect them so that all who love your name can rejoice in you. Because you, Lord, bless the righteous. You cover them with favor like a shield. (Ps 5:11-12 CEB)

Were we all once enemies of God? Did Paul quote this Psalm when speaking of the sinfulness of all humanity?

No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There isn't one person who does right. Their words are like an open pit, and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake, and they say nothing but bitter curses. (Rom 3:11-14 CEV)

Do we pray for God’s help and wait expectantly? Can we discern enemy tactics and rejoice that God shields us? You decide!