Bible Reading: Judges 20; Acts 24; Jeremiah 34; Psalms 5 & 6
Psalms 5:11-12 But let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, because thou defendest them: let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee. For thou, LORD, wilt bless the righteous; with favour wilt thou compass him as with a shield.
Psalm 5 is a contrast between the righteous and the wicked. It is a prayer of David to God praising him for his protection and blessing of him. It is also an imprecatory Psalm in which David asks God to destroy the wicked because of their rebellion against God. Is it OK to ask God to destroy people?
Actually, David is asking God to do what he has already said he would do in his Word. David declares in verse 6 that God abhors the bloody and deceitful man. As a result of their lifestyle, they will get what they deserve. David is praying that what they have sown is what they will reap.
Psalms 5:10 Destroy thou them, O God; let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions; for they have rebelled against thee.
This is the lot of the unbeliever – justice. For the believer, we can have mercy in Christ. This is the cause for David's shouting for joy! David will not receive the justice that his sin deserves. He is seen as righteous in the eyes of God because of his faith. He knows that because he loves the LORD that he can trust God to defend him. David enjoys the favor of God which compasses him like a shield.
The unbeliever has none of God's favor. They walk in transgression and they will fall in their rebellion. It is easy to see why David is shouting for joy as he considers the favor and blessing of God on his life. David is praying that God would defend him against the wicked men that would take his life if they could. It is a portion of the Word of God that draws a very sharp contrast between those who are righteous through faith and those who are rebellious toward God.
Do you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ? Then you can walk in the joy that comes from knowing that God defends you! You can know that in Christ you are blessed.
Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.
In Christ,
Rody
