Psalm 5 | Obstinance & Obedience

Note: This post is part of a series of brief devotional reflections upon the Psalms. Before reading the devotional below, take a moment to open your Bible and read the entirety of Psalm 5:1-12.

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"Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies..." - Psalm 5:8

Have you ever noticed what a little turmoil can do to your desire to obey God? When our reputation or well-being is threatened, obedience quickly gives way to fear, and fear gives way to sin. Not only do our enemies bring controversy into our life, they also make it all the more difficult for us to walk in personal obedience to God. How can we keep our feet from faltering in the midst of anger and frustration? How do we lay down our arms and take up our cross when blatant injustice has been done to us? Here in the prayer of David we find the answer.

First the writer prayerfully sets his mind on the truth of God's character: "For you are not a God who delights in wickedness..." He reminds his vengeful heart that God's judgment is perfect, that God knows exactly what is going on, and that he will not allow the wicked to flourish for long. Secondly, he humbles himself and asks for help: "Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies..." It is not enough to acknowledge that God's judgment is righteous, we must also acknowledge that ours is not. The psalmist admits his need to be led by the wisdom of God, not the emotions of his heart. He looks to the Lord for his next right step, not the moral scorecard. Finally, by faith he acts: "Let all who take refuge in you rejoice..." The praise of the faithful precedes the visible fulfillment of the promise. David is so certain of the trustworthiness of God that he is able, even now in the midst of the trial, to rejoice in the coming deliverance. And so shall we find ourselves rejoicing in the midst of fierce trials when we set our mind on God, ask for help, and walk by faith.