The opening words of this Psalm highlights the confidence that David has in his relationship with God. To attract the attention of a person who is listening to many, we say “Listen to me.” Children use the technique of crying to attract their parents attention. The opening words of this Psalm also resemble the action of an adamant grown-up child, persistently irritating his parent by repeatedly asking them to grant permission. Jesus asks us to pray persistently, quoting an illustration of an aged widow bothering a wicked Judge for justice.

Consider My Lament

Listen to my words, LORD, consider my lament.
Hear my cry for help, my King and my God,
for to you, I pray.

Psalms 5:1-2

David had the privilege of drawing God’s attention because he understood His kindness. With the personal experience gained during his lifetime, he had recorded the nature of God in Psalm 22:24. People do not lend their ears to other’s grievances, sometimes even avoiding circumstances that may force them to extend some help. God never turns His face away from the afflicted, and He patiently listens to them.

Most of the time, we complain that we are unable to pray because of sorrows and griefs. Surprisingly, God de-codes our crying into prayer and He answers it. Hagar left the boy beneath the tree as she did not want to see her son die. The boy had been neglected by his father and stepmother, and now he was forsaken by his own mother as well. The helpless boy was left with no option other than crying. God heard the cry of the boy as a prayer, and made him into a great nation. Sometimes we may be right in our eyes in forsaking people, but God in His righteousness sends His mercy (Genesis 21:17). God heard the cries of Israelites and chose Moses to bring them out of Egypt (Exodus 3:9-10). David specifically raised his prayer only to God and never complained about his problems to men. He sought help only from God, in whom he put his trust.

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice;
in the morning I lay my requests before you
and wait expectantly.

Psalms 5:3

David was in the habit of spending his time in the presence of God, especially during the wee hours. To spend time with God, we have to prepare our hearts and should set it right. God is keen that we pay attention to Him. Unfortunately, we are in the habit of praying to God without preparing ourselves to be in His presence, and start listing all our needs to Him. Once we make known our needs to Him, we draw ourselves back to our routine and expect results in a way we imagine but not in His way. David waited in the presence of God till he could understood His plan in his life to accomplish His will.

The Privilege of Coming into His Presence

But I, by your great love, can come into your house;
in reverence, I bow down toward your holy temple.

Psalms 5:7

The Psalmist understood God’s intense disliking for the wicked of this world. Arrogant people, evildoers, murderers and cheaters were not able to stand in the presence of God. David too had committed such grave sins but was able to enter into God’s presence because of His unconditional love. The author of the book of Hebrews encourages believers to approach the throne of God without hesitation, as Jesus also suffered every pain that humans are suffering.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are —yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Hebrews 4:15-16

Lead me in Your Righteousness

Lead me, LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me.

Psalms 5:8

The time we spend together with our friends and relatives probably hinders our fellowship with God. When friends and relatives surround us, we feel secure. The setbacks we face because of our enemies, draws us nearer to God. Are not our enemies praiseworthy? David was pressed hard for most of his lifetime by his enemies and sought God’s protection at all times. On the contrary, Saul relied on brave and strong men and spent all his days in a bitter war with the Philistines (1 Samuel 14:52).

Declare them guilty, O God!
Let their intrigues be their downfall.
Banish them for their many sins,
for they have rebelled against you.

Psalms 5:10

David was thoroughly aware of the attitude of his enemies and prayed to God to destroy them. He was not asking God to punish them because they troubled him, but because they were rebelling against God, as He accomplished His will in David’s life. When God accomplishes His will in our lives, we may face people rebelling against us everywhere. We should understand that our enemies are not rebelling against us, but against God who accomplishes His purpose in our lives. Hence, they do not know what they are doing and are worthy of receiving forgiveness from our Father.

Shield of God’s Favor

But let all who take refuge in you be glad;
let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them,
that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
Surely, LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield.

Psalms 5:11-12

When we trust God wholeheartedly, God takes care of every situation and supernaturally protects us. God protects His children from every attack of our enemy even before we feel their presence. Sometimes, this act of God leads us to pride and prejudice, as we don’t understand how God surrounds us with a shield of favor. Ignorant of His protection, we always take pride in our strength and influence and fail to praise Him. David enjoyed the favoritism of God in every walk of his life and continued singing songs for Him. When our spiritual eyes open, we will see the favor of God surrounding us.

God, open our eyes so that we could see the chariots of fire surrounding us.