EHP Day 31-Morning Pleading With the Lord
Psalm 5:1-3, 7-8
Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray. O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice; in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies; make your way straight before me.
Do you have enemies? They come in all sizes and shapes. Some of our most formidable enemies we can’t see – the spiritually wicked forces in high places Paul references in Ephesians 6:12. Put on available armor for the battles they stir up (vvs. 13-17). Yet other enemies sit next to us at the office, attend family gatherings, or work behind-the-scenes to make sure you are not considered for the promotion.
While some enemies may be imagined, even self-created (and we ought to be willing to de-construct these), real enemies can cause sleepless nights. Inward groaning. Crying and cries. We fall to sleep worrying; we wake wondering if God is fully aware of “my situation.” Having to face everyday enemies ought motivate urgent help-seeking. We require a fresh perspective which settles, a calming we can’t quite muster up on our own. Only God’s wisdom will do. Perhaps an Advocate (cf. Rom. 8:26, Heb. 4:16-18) to supply what can make the difference.
The Psalter often echoes with pressing pleas for help with threatening, destructive enemies. Entering “God’s house” such pleading is a good thing. Your Lord’s steadfast love opens wide the door; your commitment to “righteousness” (i.e., doing what is right regardless of what your enemy does) provides His straight path to follow (cf. Jesus, Matt. 5:43-44). Cry and groan in God’s presence. His Son did. His children have the same access. You have a listening and answering Helper.
Journal Notes