October 28, 2012
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 5

OBSERVATIONS
1. David is confident that the Lord is on the side of those that do good, while He is opposed to those who are wicked, cruel deceitful. Is he referring to the heart (all of us have sinful, deceitful hearts) or to the lifestyle (not all of us choose to commit crimes or perpetrate evil or hurt). Sometimes those who claim to be righteous are self-righteous; and sometimes those that are considered evil have their good side too. Thankfully it is not for us to judge in the end.
2. This is a prayer of the innocent (not sinless) victim. Like a young girl being abused, or a family being persecuted, or a young boy being bullied, or a citizen being denied justice. In our first world experience, we have relative justice and order. But in bible times, and throughout history, and even in many parts of the world today, neither the law nor justice nor human rights could be counted on. In that context, David is talking about the wicked, those who mistreat others because they can.
3. Waiting expectantly. I like this line, seeing David with his prayer list at the beginning of the day, and going into the day waiting and anticipating how God will answer. Each day David is going about his business, watching to see what God is going to do. He does not deny or ignore sin or wickedness, but neither does he dwell on it. He keeps his heart and mind focused on God and what God will do. Everything is pushing him to doubt, but he is determined to keep on hoping in the Lord.
What do you notice in this passage?

APPLICATION
1. God is reminding me of the vision He has given to me, and He is encouraging me to stay focused on Him, not on people or circumstances or situations that cause me to doubt. Pray and trust, pray and wait, pray and hope.
2. My enemies are spiritual, in my heart and mind, not actual people. No one is lying in wait to ambush me. But my spiritual enemy is, and he is good at what he does, and I often succumb to his subtle lies and doubts and distractions. This is warfare, I cannot take this lightly, the enemy does not want me to trust and obey and follow Him.
3. I am struggling with the idea that God hates all who do wrong, and detests the bloodthirsty and deceitful. I get it, but I don’t know how it fits with God’s mercy. Is he talking about all sinners in general, or more specifically to those who give free reign to their sinful nature – who are cruel, bloodthirsty, vicious, malicious. I can see how God hates these kinds of people. As I reflect on this, I once again sense God reminding me how serious and bad sin is, and why it took crucifixion and hell to deal with it.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?

PRAYER
Lord, I know You hate sin, and yet You love the sinner. Please be patient with me, as it takes me so long to learn to trust and obey You. Help me to be patient with You, when You take so long in responding to my prayers. Help me to wait expectantly.