Psalm 5 – Day 1
“But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love." – Psalm 5:11-12 NLT
Where does David go in times of trouble? He goes to God. He turns to the only one who can help him. He cries to God for help – as his King and his God – and then he waits expectantly. As a king himself, David understood the sovereign rule of God. He was in charge. He alone possessed the power and authority to do anything about David's problem. But he was also David's God, so He deserved honor, respect, and worship. David understood the holiness and righteousness of God, that He was set apart and separate from the sinfulness of men – including the wicked, prideful, evil doers, liars, murderers and deceitful. God was not like earthly kings who could be all those things and more. He was a righteous, holy King – who was just, good, and merciful. So David could appeal to His unfailing love and ask for God to lead him in the right way to go. Unlike David's enemies, who lied and flattered for their own benefit, God was truthful, loving, and a righteous judge who always deals justly and honestly with men.
David saw God as a place of refuge and protection. He could run to God in the tough times and find comfort in God's open, loving arms. Because David understood the mercy and love of God, he could sing praises even in the midst of suffering. He could experience joy even when surrounded by those who were out to destroy him. David had found God to be his protector and provider time and time again. God had proven Himself faithful to David in the past, so he knew he could trust him for the future. He knew if he called, God would hear. He knew if he was under attack, verbally or physically, God would protect him. He knew if his enemies attacked him unfairly, God would deal with them justly. He knew that when he was at a loss for what to do next, God would show him what to do. David knew God as his King, guide, protector, provider, judge, advocate, refuge, and holy God. God was his source of joy and peace, the object of his praise, the focus of his prayers, the answer to his problems, the directer of his paths, and the reason for his worship. Oh, that I would know God like that. "Oh, that we might know the Lord! Let us press on to know him. He will respond to us as surely as the arrival of dawn or the coming of rains in early spring" (Hosea 6:3 NLT).
Father, I want to know You more. I want to have an understanding of Your character and nature like David did. Knowing You didn't rid David of all his problems, but it gave him a different perspective on how to handle and view them. I want to respond to the circumstances of life as he did – prayerfully, expectantly, worshipfully, and joyfully. I want to understand Your holiness better, rest in Your love more often, and sing Your praises in the good times and the bad times. Amen