The Attributes of God

After the plea in Psalm 5:1–3, David begins to think through the day that spreads out before him, giving extra consideration to those he would encounter. His song addresses four specific realms of interest (Psalm 5:4–11). 1. David meditates on the Lord Himself (5:4–6). 2. David describes himself (5:7–8). 3. David describes his enemies (5:9–10). 4. David describes the righteous (5:11).

The Psalmist’s Plea

Some psalms are difficult to outline; others easily lend themselves to an organized layout. Psalm 5 falls in the latter category. It begins with a plea (Psalm 5:1–3) directed to the Lord, whom David addresses, “O LORD . . . my King . . . my God . . . O LORD.” It concludes with a promise (5:12). Sandwiched between the plea and the promise are four descriptions.

A Song of Circumstance

Songs are usually born out of surrounding circumstances that so affect the thinking of the composer, he cannot help but burst forth with a melody and an accompanying set of lyrics describing his plight. This is certainly the case with the blues and jazz of yesteryear as well as the old spirituals of days gone by and the romantic love songs of any era.

Christ, Our Solid Rock

Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. Psalm 102:25 Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever! Psalm 111:10 Two lingering questions are yours—and only yours—to answer: Is the foundation beneath your […]

God Sees It All

The LORD looks down from heaven And sees the whole human race. From his throne he observes All who live on the earth. He made their hearts, so he understands everything they do. Psalm 33:13–15 The roots of secret erosion go deep into the soil of humanity; some of these cases are so notorious they […]

Focus on the Father

The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you.” Psalm 32:8 Jesus has touched on things that are so down to earth and so practical you would think the ink was still wet. They could have been written this very morning. In […]

Prayer Made Simple

Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1 When you pray, don’t be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell you the truth, that is all the […]

Can We Trust Our Feelings?

You will make known to me the way of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever. Psalm 16:11 NASB One of my mother’s favorite rules for us kids was, “You can’t trust your feelings.” To this day I can clearly recall her words warning us against […]

Created to Connect with God

For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Wonderful are Your works, And my soul knows it very well. Psalm 139:13–14 NASB 1995 When God created humanity, He put something of Himself in each of us. Unlike […]

Acquainted with All Our Ways

For the LORD sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. Proverbs 5:21 In the mystery of God’s will we sometimes come to a place where we cannot explain why things turned out as they did; yet, amazingly, we are still right in the middle of His will. It’s not that you […]

Tag Archives: Psalms