Psalm 5

Psalm 5:12 - For You, O LORD, will bless the righteous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.

As I continue with the Psalms we will see similarities. It's all about believing in, trusting in, praising and worshiping our God. If David writes about these things, maybe there is very good reason. It might have to do with those He will hear when they cry out.

God hears the cries of His people toward Him...if they first have that belief in Him and have allowed Jesus to become a part of everyday lives. If we have given ourselves over to Him and truly trust Him in all things, He will bend a ear toward us when we cry out to Him in our distress.

Distress for David was mainly enemies not holding strong to his God, who desired his death. But David maintained his focus on the LORD. He made it a point to call out to Him first thing in the morning. He took the time to worship Him, generally with musical instruments and dancing. Worship today might be song, or just praising Him, calling on Him, talking with Him, spending time meditating on His Word. These are all forms of worship. Anything that puts our focus on Him.

Our stresses or distresses are multitudinous! Finances, illness, enemies to those who do good, relationships, even mundane daily issues of life.

Like David, we are to thank Him in all circumstances. We are to maintain righteousness. He sees our devotion and He directs our paths, keeps us safe, gives us peace and strength and gets us through if we are focused on Him.

Things God does not delight in: wickedness, deceit, those who lie or kill. He will bring a guilty sentence upon these people some day. Even if they go through natural life without punishment, it's the sentence after death that they/we should be concerned about.

If we have belief, trust and confidence in the Lord, we can rejoice all our days. Who wouldn't want this assurance? Rejoice even in the midst of trouble because our God is greater...because we trust in Him we will be held in the palm of His hand--even in death.

If we have trouble, He is there to be our defender. Give it over to Him and let Him straighten things out in His perfect way. He does this for any who take Him seriously, who love Him. He will bless the righteous. Though we don't see Him, if we know Him with all our heart and deep within our soul, He will be our protection and shield. That's called faith.

Praise the Lord!

Psalm 5:11 - But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.