Daily Devotionals

Psalm 13:1–2

Psalm 13 begins where the despondent person spends most of his or her time: flat on the ground, crushed under the weight of sorrow. In the first section of the song, we see ...

David on His Face

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever?

How long will You hide Your face from me?

How long shall I take counsel in my soul,

Having sorrow in my heart all the day?

How long will my enemy be exalted over me (Psalm 13:1–2)?

Psalm 13:1–6

Psalm 13:1–6

Psalm 8:1–9

Psalm 8:3-8

As though David continues his worship service, he opens his mouth and shares a message from God, which is the major theme of this composition. We can imagine his standing before the people and preaching about the needs of humanity and the grace of God.

First, he considers the pitiful inadequacy of humanity. Read verses 3 and 4 slowly. Think them over and enter into the mental picture David has in mind.

Psalm 8:1–2

Having worshipped God in a short doxology, David reflects on the greatness of his God and, in doing so, offers praise. Observe as King David takes his place before a congregation of believers to lead them in worship.

[You] have displayed Your splendour above the heavens!
From the mouth of infants and nursing babes You have established strength
Because of Your adversaries,
To make the enemy and the revengeful cease (Psalm 8:1–2).

Psalm 5:9–12

Sometimes we suffer discouragement because of difficult circumstances caused by no one in particular: natural disasters, disease, economic downturns, injury.

Frequently, however, we suffer because enemies cause us harm and refuse to stop.

Psalm 5:7–8

Having reviewed the attributes of God, focusing on His sovereignty and goodness, David examines himself (vv. 7–8).

But as for me, by Your abundant loving kindness, I will enter Your house,
At Your holy temple, I will bow in reverence for You.
O LORD, lead me in Your righteousness because of my foes;
Make Your way straight before me.

Psalm 5:4–11

After the plea inPsalm 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 (vv. 4–11).

1. David meditates on the Lord Himself (vv. 4–6)
2. David describes himself (vv. 7–8)
3. David describes his enemies (vv. 9–10)
4. David describes the righteous (v. 11)

Let's examine each realm of interest, beginning with the first: God Himself.

Psalm 5:1–3

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 (vv. 1–3) directed to the Lord, whom David addresses,“O LORD ... my King ... my God ... O LORD.” It concludes with a promise (v. 12). Sandwiched between the plea and the promise are four descriptions.

I observe three things in David's introductory plea.

First, it was a "morning" prayer. Twice in verse 3 David mentions that it was "in the morning" that he met with his Lord.