MORNING-Psalm 5

Psalm 5:3 - Wellspring Christian MinistriesMorning: “In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly” (Ps 5:3).

Groaning: “Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament [groaning/sighing]” (Ps 5:1).

Psalm 5 is a morning prayer of David seeking God’s help (Ps 5:1-3), protection and deliverance from ememies the wicked, highlighting God’s blessing toward the righteous and His opposition to the wicked (Ps 5:8-11). It contrasts God’s righteousness with man’s wickedness (Ps 5:4-6) and expresses confidence in God’s love and justice (Ps 5:7).

Questions:

  • How are Psalms 3-7 similar in their prayer requests (Ps 3:7; 4:1; 5:1-3; 6:4; 7:1-2)? In their confidence in God (Ps 3:4, 8; 4:3; 5:3, 12; 6:9; 7:10, 17)?
    • Have you felt such desperation and confidence in your life?
  1. Like Christ (Mk 1:35) or like David do you pray to God in the morning (Ps 5:3)? Is it your daily habit to seek God’s guidance (Ps 143:8)?
  2. Do you tolerate sin in others/yourself? Wickedness, evil and arrogant people, and deceitful liars (Ps 5:4-6; Hab 1:13)? Do you hate what God hates (Prov 6:16-19)?
  3. How do you approach God in prayer (Ps 5:7; 84:1-2; Heb 4:16)?
    • What do you seek from God’s guidance (Ps 5:8; 25:4-5)?
  4. Do you think of the wicked as such (Ps 5:9; Rom 3:13)? How might you pray for them (Ps 5:10; cf. Mt 5:44)?
  5. How do you “take refuge” in God (Ps 5:11)? Are you confident about God’s protection and blessing during difficult times (Ps 5:11-12; 46:1-3; Mt 5:10-12)? [Prov 18:10]
  6. What are some ways Psalm 5 points to Jesus?
    • Who Jesus is: Ps 5:2; 1 Tim 6:14-15; Rev 17:14; 19:16.
    • What Jesus did: Ps 5:3; Mk 1:35.
    • What Jesus promises: Ps 5:12; 1 Pet 3:18; 2 Cor 5:21.

Outline:

  1. Invocation and Request for God to Hear (Ps 5:1-3). David pleads and asks God to listen to his prayer for help.
  2. God‘s Hatred of Evil (Ps 5:4-6). David notes that God does not tolerate the wicked, boastful or deceitful.
  3. Prayer for Guidance and Protection (Ps 5:7-8). David prays for God’s leading with reverence.
  4. Who the Wicked are (Ps 5:9-10). Liars who will face God’s ultimate justice and punishment.
  5. God Blesses the Righteous (Ps 5:11-12). Those who trust in God will be protected and blessed.

Practical Application:

  1. Morning Prayer: Start your day with prayer, following David’s example. Dedicate time each morning to seek God’s guidance and protection, asking Him to direct your steps throughout the day.
  2. Pursuing Holiness: Reflect on the holiness of God and His opposition to wickedness. Evaluate your life in light of God’s standards, and pursue righteousness by avoiding evil and deceitful behaviors.
  3. Trust in God’s Justice: When faced with injustice or wickedness, remember that God sees and will deal with the wicked in His time. Place your trust in God’s ultimate justice and refrain from taking matters into your own hands.
  4. Rejoice in God’s Protection: Take comfort in knowing that God surrounds His people with favor and protection, like a shield. Rejoice and live confidently, knowing that God cares for and protects those who trust in Him.
  5. Worship and Reverence: Approach God with reverence and worship. Cultivate a heart of reverence, acknowledging God’s holiness and majesty in your prayers and daily walk.

Psalm 5 encourages believers to cultivate a deep trust in God (Ps 5:3), approach Him with reverence (Ps 5:7), and rely on His guidance and protection in daily life (Ps 5:1-2, 8, 11-12).