Central Truth

David spends the first three verses of this psalm petitioning the Lord to hear his plea. Yet it all hangs on three small words at the end of verse three, "and eagerly watch". Wanting God's help isn't enough. Watch for His reply!

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Reflections

I can think of countless times in my life so far when I have asked for the Lord's hand to move in a certain way. I've asked Him to direct me to a certain place, deliver me from difficult circumstances, etc. What I also notice is that for all the requesting that I do, I certainly do not watch and wait for His leading, His answer, His direction.

I have heard people talk about how we need to do more listening to God and I believe that is true. However, I also believe He wants to hear from us and truly delights in our coming to Him for anything at all. The problem that I see, at least in my own life, is that I don't always agree with the answer He gives or the way the request is answered. Sometimes I don't believe my request is addressed in a timely fashion. How vain must I be to assume that my timetable is the one from which the God of the universe ought to operate?

It is a painful realization coming to grips with the fact that we are not, and never will be, in control. So many big things that we experience or observe are clearly and recognizably out of our control. But what about the day-to-day things? These are things over which we have convinced ourselves that we have a measure of control. In fact, we do not.

After verse three, the remainder of Psalm 5 reminds me that He is THE God in whom we claim to believe. He is good, righteous, holy, constant, our source of Truth, capable of all things and so much more than we can imagine. But if we truly believe He is all those things, why do we fear the waiting and the watching so much? The unknown, unanswered, and "in-between" is where the test of our faith plays out! It is a chance, if nothing else, to bring Him glory, in full acknowledgment of our deep need of Him. What an honor it is to watch expectantly for the King's plan for our lives.

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Discussion Questions

1. The words "and eagerly watch" are placed strategically in Psalm 5 between the request for help and the acknowledgment of what the Lord is capable, as well as, His character. Why do you think this placement is important? Why is watching a crucial part of embracing the plan God has for us?

2. Have you made requests to God for which you may be ignoring the direction He seems to be leading you because you don't see how that way could be good? How might you surrender your "hold" on those issues to His control today?

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