Psalm 5 is absolutely beautiful.
The Psalm provides a stunning picture of David’s vulnerability and need for God. The Psalm is a prayer – and throughout it, David reminds himself of truth and praises God for his steadfast love (v.7), His ability to provide refuge (11), and for the blessing God brings to those who trust in Him (v. 12).
My favorite part of the Psalm, however, comes in verse 8. Here, David cries out to the Lord for help:
“Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me” (ESV).
This prayer resonates with my heart.
My enemies may not be physical people, but I have some enemies.
Comfort tempts me to stick to my own schedule, my own plan, instead of submitting to God. My idol of acceptance lures me to alter who I am or what I think so that others will accept me more. Anger tries to convince me that relief is found in release, instead of remembrance of truth and words of love. Lies and negative self-talk seek to make me feel bad about myself – to disorient and distract me from the truth of who I really am in Christ. Security tries to convince me that money matters more than surrender, and discontentment aims to fill my mind with pessimism. Anxiety plays with me so that I seek refuge in myself, and my own clinched fists, instead of trusting God. Fear tempts me to stop moving so that I am stuck in places that are old, stale and dry. Loss begs me to despair.
You see, my enemies may not be people, but I have enemies. And sometimes they are fierce.
I’m thankful for David – for his truth, his boldness, and his confidence in God. You see, I think David got it.
“But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house.” – Psalm 5:7 (ESV)
David didn’t do anything to deserve God’s love. It wasn’t based on the good he had done, the skills he had been gifted with, or the successes he would have in the future. In fact, David did a lot of really bad things. He committed adultery, he murdered an innocent man, he lied, and, at times, he was gripped by passivity to the point of being an absent father and king.
Yet, David was covered by the grace of God. He rejoiced in the love of God and that love gave him the security he needed to cry out – to pray for rescue.
How easily I forget.
As Christians, we are not alone in fighting our enemies. We have a God who loves us, and because of that, we can boldly approach Him.
“Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.” – Psalm 5:8 (ESV)
Cry out, remember, and trust. He can help. Exhale.
Lindsey Weatherl 