As I continue my slow stroll through the Psalms, I’m struck by the way the Psalmists weave God into the “ordinary” rhythms of the day — what some have called “the offices of prayer.” Psalm 4 ends with the Psalmist logging off at the end of the day, trusting that he will lie down and rest safely in the presence of YHWH. Following the Hebrew pattern of the new day beginning with evening (see Genesis 1, “and it was evening and morning, the first day,” etc.), it is fitting that Psalm 5 is a morning Psalm, greeting the Lord with gladness after an evening’s rest.

O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

Psalm 5:3

I also appreciate the way David confidently asserts that he “will enter your house (v7).” Though others boast and make evil, David trembles in the temple of the LORD (v7) and follows His lead (v8). David’s opposition to the ungodly may strike some as unloving, and perhaps this is true. But we should remember that David’s remarks are contextualized as praise. His devotion to His God prompts David to ardently oppose those who mock YHWH with their transgressions.

For you bless the righteous, O LORD; you cover him with favor as with a shield.

Psalm 5:12

We read this in light of the New Testament, understanding that the Lord has richly blessed those whom He has made righteous — by the blood of His Son.

Questions for reflection:

• How would my life change if my first thought upon rising in the morning was directed to the Lord?
• What must it be like to enter God’s house (v7)?
• How does Psalm 5 impact your prayer life?