day 39: psalm 5- Blessing For The Righteous

​To the choirmaster: for the flutes. A Psalm of David.
 Give ear to my words, O Lord; consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.
3 O Lord, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. 4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with you. 5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. 7 But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.
8 Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me. 9 For there is no truth in their mouth; their inmost self is destruction; their throat is an open grave; they flatter with their tongue.
10 Make them bear their guilt, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; because of the abundance of their transgressions cast them out, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.
12 For you bless the righteous, O Lord; you cover him with favor as with a shield.
 
Meditation
Throughout the years our four children have struggled with different fears at night: difficult thoughts, darkness, lightning/ thunder, anxiety for the day ahead… Sometimes they have come and slept on the floor of our room but every time Lisa has given specific parenting direction- Repeat the name of Jesus in prayer. Repeat His name and find safety in Him. The name of Jesus will drive away darkness, fear, and anxiety.
 
Psalm 5 is a song of faith encouraging God’s people to take refuge in the Lord (11) demonstrated by a love for His name (6).  The fallen world is dark and full of wickedness, often appearing more powerful than the person and promises of the Lord, but if we take refuge in God we will rejoice, singing for joy, because the Lord will spread His protection over us (11).
 
How do you know if you are taking refuge in Him? You will love His name- Jesus. (11) Those who have no love for the Lord will be cast out of God’s presence (10) and they will not be able to speak truth (9). They will hope in the promises of the world, demonstrated by walking in the ways of the wicked. Their path ends in destruction (6).
 
The Lord hears you when you cry His name (1-2). Take refuge in His power, promises, and presence by repeating His name- Jesus. In Jesus Christ alone can we richly dwell. Blessing and favor are found in Him alone.
 
Richly Dwelling
-What are your core fears, anxieties, and difficulties? Are you finding refuge in the Lord?
 
-Do you love His name? Name your anxieties and fears and repeat the name of Jesus in victory over them.
 
-Throughout your day you will encounter the fallen nature of the world. Practice finding refuge in the name of the Lord by repeating His name. You will sing in your steps!
 
Key Verse
11 But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them ever sing for joy, and spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may exult in you.