Hobart Herd Devotional – Psalms 5 – 5-1-20
One of the joys of being in the Psalms is the number of songs that just come ringing into my heart and mind as I read them. I would encourage you to sing the hymns and choruses that are brought to mind when you read this book of songs. One of the things that I remember from my teen and college years was a focus on singing Scripture. The first 3 verses of Psalm 5 is one of the songs that we learned and became a very precious song to set our hearts on devotional worship. Psalms 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, O LORD, consider my meditation. 2 Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God: for unto thee will I pray. 3 My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.(KJV) We will sing this song for our Sunday service this week to remind you of the importance of singing and memorizing God’s Word.
One of the cries often heard from King David was one of heart felt requests for the Lord to hear his prayers. Many times David felt like his enemies were enjoying life while he suffered the trials and troubles. I am sure as David hid from King Saul, who sought to kill him, David must have felt like God wasn’t hearing his prayers. I know that I have often felt that way and would end up in a pity party for myself. David, however, learned to pray to God from his heart sharing the very cries, moaning and struggles that he was feeling. I think that one of the things that made David “a man after God’s own heart” was this real heart relationship with God. Don’t be afraid to express your heart to God when you are hurting, down or struggling. It is not as if God doesn’t know how you feel. God wants to hear your cries of pain and frustration and turn them into praise and joy. This is what happens many times over as we read these precious songs and prayers.
Psalms 5:11-12, 11 But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, let them ever sing for joy; and mayest Thou shelter them, that those who love Thy name may exult in Thee. 12 For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.(NAS) Let the Lord turn your cries of pain and struggle into the joy of taking refuge and strength in Him.
Father, thank You, for hearing my frustrated, angry, painful cries. Thank You for knowing my heart and understanding even the things that I struggle to express to you. I truly do want to take refuge in Your arms of care and receive the joy and peace of Your strength and protection. Don’t let me stay in my pity parties of frustration, depression and anger. Bring back to my heart the joy of Your salvation. In Jesus Name, Amen! Pastor Rob