Psalm 5
1. David needed the Lord to hear his prayer. What ways did he let the Lord know how much he needed His help? vs.1,2 - Name 2 ways - 1)2)
2. What time of day was David offering this prayer? vs. 3 -
3. Once David prayed, what action did he take? vs. 3 -
4. What did David know that God did not take pleasure in? vs. 4
5. What does not dwell with God? vs. 4
6. Who is not able to stand before God? vs. 5
7. What happens to those who speak falsehood? vs. 6
8. How does the Lord feel about men of bloodshed and deceit? vs. 6
9. Where would David enter by God's abundant lovingkindness to him? vs. 7
10. What would he do once he entered? vs. 7
11. Because of David's foes (enemies), how did he pray the Lord would lead him? vs. 8 -
12. David needed God's way made straight for him. (vs.8) What did he say about the foes that surrounded him? vs.9,10 - Name 8 things - 1)2)3)4)5)6)7)8.)
13. What kind of attitude would those have who took refuge in the Lord? vs. 11
14. What would those who love God's Name do for Him? vs. 11
15. The Lord blesses the righteous man. What is his favor around him like? vs. 12
Applications:
1. In Psalm 4, the evening was depicted as a good time for reflection. Here in Psalm 5, the morning is shown as a good time for prayer. Indeed, it is good to seek the Lord early. To do so sets the mood for the day; it establishes who is sovereign over the day. Our thoughts should naturally turn to our Lord first thing in the morning. Comment on the following Scriptures:
- Psalm 30:5 -
- Psalm 59:16 -
- Psalm 90:12,14 -
- Psalm 118:24 -
- Psalm 119:147 -
- Psalm 130:5,6 -
- Psalm 143:8 -
- Lamentations 3:23 -
- Mark 1:35 -
2. David not only made his requests made known to God, but he eagerly watched for God's answers to come. Faith is not only coming to God, but believing He will answer! Comment on the following Scriptures:
- Matthew 7:7 -
- Matthew 21:22 -
- Mark 9:23,24 -
- John 11:40 -
- John 14:12-14 -
- John 15:7 -
- John 16:24 -
- Hebrews 11:6 -
- 1 John 5:14,15 -
3. David prayed with words, but also with groaning, and with tears. Sometimes in prayer, we need to be very specific with our words in listing our needs to God; sometimes the pain is deep and we can only groan; this is when the Holy Spirit takes over and intercedes for us without any words. We also include our emotions and "cry out" with tears to God as we see Jesus did before going to the cross. Comment on the following Scriptures concerning these patterns of prayer:
- Philippians 4:6,7 -
- Romans 8:26 -
- Hebrews 5:7 -
4. David knew that God did not take pleasure in wickedness and that no evil dwelt with Him. He spoke about how the godless were boastful and deceitful. How are we as His children instructed to come into His presence?
- Psalm 24:3-5 -
- Psalm 51:10 -
- Matthew 5:8 -
- Matthew 23:12 -
- Acts 15:8,9 -
- 2 Timothy 2:21,22 -
- James 4:6-10 -
- James 5:16 -
- 1 Peter 5:5-7 -
- 1 John 1:9 -
5. David knew he could enter the presence of God by God's lovingkindness or favor. How had God's favor helped us enter into His presence?
- Romans 5:15-17 -
- Hebrews 9:11-12 -
- Hebrews 10:19-22 -
- Titus 3:4-7 -
6. The philosophy of mankind cannot be trusted. Like David said, there is nothing reliable in what they say. That flatter with their tongue, but they are rebellious against God. There are so many self-help books today, but man is looking to himself or others for their acceptance. What does the Bible tell us?
- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -
- Colossians 2:8,9 -
7. Those who take refuge in the Lord have gladness and joy. The Lord gives them shelter and favor as a shield around them. What does the Bible say about the "joy of the Lord" in our lives?
- Nehemiah 8:10 -
- Psalm 16:11 -
- Psalm 126:2,3 -
- John 15:10-12 -
- John 16:24 -
- Romans 14:17 -
- Romans 15:13 -
- Philippians 4:4 -
- 1 Peter 1:8,9 -
8. Summarize this lesson and post a prayer if you would like.
Psalm 5: Relying on God
Feeling betrayed, persecuted or fearful are common human experiences. Christians are not immune from such emotions. Indeed, because of the opposition of the fallen world to Christ, we will inevitably face them. How do we pray in these circumstances? Instead of allowing our fear or anger to dominate our thinking, we need to focus on God. Psalm 5 is one example of a prayer written in the face of opposition.
Warming Up to God
What happens to your relationship with God (especially your prayer life) when you find yourself facing opposition or persecution? IHe give me the peasce to know that he is there and will get me though it.
Discovering the Word
- List the characteristics of the wicked and the righteous from David's descriptions in the passage.
- When we are opposed or persecuted by others, it is easy to want to take revenge or become aggressive toward them. What is David's strategy for dealing with opposition?
- David appears confident of God hearing his
prayer and shielding him. What grounds are there in the passage for such confidence? - What does the passage show us about David's relationship with God?
- David is clearly accustomed to beginning his day with prayer (v. 3). What are the benefits of this model?
Applying the Word
- The psalm gives us a clear picture of how God opposes the wicked and deals with them. How does this help in coping with opposition or persecution on a day-to-day basis?
- Both Christians and non-Christians often blame God for the pain, suffering or persecution that they encounter. How does Psalm 5 help us to understand the pain, suffering and persecution from God's perspective?
- What aspects of David's prayer in this passage are a helpful model for you?
Responding in Prayer
Think of any situations that represent a threat or pressure for you. Spend some time praying about those situations, trying to focus particularly on God's power and supremacy over the situation (while being realistic about the difficulties!).
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