Psalm 5, 38, 41, and 42
Psalm 5 shows David as a man who prayed earnestly every day. He speaks of his groaning as he prays. He prayed expectantly, bringing his requests to God every each and morning. It’s interesting that he speaks of the Lord detesting murderers and deceivers. Didn’t he deceive and murder Uriah the Hittite? How was David different from his enemies, from the wicked?
David was a sinner. David did wicked things. Why wasn’t he detested as the other murderers and deceivers? I think he tells us the difference in verse 7: “Because of your unfailing love, I can enter your house. I will worship at your Temple with deepest awe.” He doesn’t rely on himself, but asks the Lord to make his way plain for him to follow. David was a humble man and realized the proud could not stand in the Lord’s presence. This is evidenced by David asking God to make his way plain for him to follow, to lead him in the right path.
Was David troubled by his sins? Did he regret committing adultery and killing Uriah the Hittite? Psalm 38 gives us a picture of David’s regret, repentance and guilt. He was actually in physical pain as a result of his sin and guilt. He confessed his sins and told God he was deeply sorry for what he had done. He felt abandoned by God and pleads with God not to stand at a distance, but to come quickly to help him. He calls God his savior.
Psalm 41 is about “the joys of those who are kind to the poor.” What does God do for them?
- Rescues them when they are in trouble
- Protects them and keeps them alive
- Gives them prosperity in the land
- Rescues them from their enemies
- Nurses them when they are sick
- Restores them to health
David then seems to change topics and asks God to have mercy on him and heal him. Apparently, David’s enemies were attacking and harassing him, but he knows that God has not let his enemies triumph over him.
Psalm 42 is another Psalm of the descendants of Korah. The picture the Psalmist paints of how he thirsts for the Lord as a deer longs for streams of water. Thirst is a powerful force. Enemies were taunting him asking where this God of his was. He remembers how he used to walk with the worshippers leading a great procession to the house of God, singing for joy and giving thanks. He asks himself why he is discouraged, why so sad when he can put his hope in God. He declares his hope in God.
Tomorrow, it’s II Samuel 22, 23, Psalm 57.
Cine-Bistro
Today, my sister-in-law Esther and nephew Steven took me to Cine-Bistro for my birthday. We saw the movie The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel and had a wonderful dinner while we watched it. The movie, starring Judi Dench, Tom Wilkinson, and Maggie Smith, is an excellent film, well worth seeing. I have the best family – they are always so thoughtful and giving.
Dragon Carving
This is a picture of a dragon carving I made for a holster. I thought it turned out pretty well. Can’t wait until the holster is done. I’ll post another picture after it is.
Until next time…
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