A Shield of Love

O. T. #1172  "A Shield of Love"
March 19, 2018
Psalms 5
Lead me in the right path, O LORD, or my enemies will conquer me. Make Your way plain for me to follow.  Psalms 5:8


LET IT GLOW 
Here is a prayer of David's after his son Absalom and others conspired to over throw David as king of Israel.
What is the secret of David's close relationship with God?
David prayed in the morning, perhaps at daybreak.
In the morning our mind is fresher and freer of problems. Do we have a regular time set apart for prayer and Bible study? By doing it early, we can commit our whole day to serving God.

What do we read about David's prayer?

• He would ask God to hear his prayer, to pay attention to his groaning, and listen to his cry for help. (verses 1-2)
• David would pray to no one but his King and his God. (verse 2)
• He asked God to listen to his prayer in the morning. (verse 3a)
• Each morning David would bring his requests to God and wait expectantly. (verse 3b)
• Because of God's unfailing love, David could enter God's house. (verse 7a)
• He worshiped with deepest awe at the Temple. (verse 7b) (New Living Translation)

Later on, God told the prophet Jeremiah, found in 33:3: Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.

In our key verse, David asks God to make His will discernible, to lead him in a righteous path.
Isn't that what we desire?

How can we who put our trust in God, rejoice and sing His joyful praises? David gives us three reasons in verses 11-12:

1. God protects, defends us. (verse 11)
2. He blesses the righteous, godly. (verse 12a)
3. He surrounds them with his shield of love. (verse 12b)

Now is that a reason to sing praises to our God, when He protects us, blesses us, and surrounds us with His shield of love?


LET IT GROW


David describes his wicked enemies:

• God takes no pleasure in them.
• He cannot tolerate their sin.
• Proud do no stand in His presence.
• He hates all who do evil.
• God destroys all who tell lies.
• The LORD detests murderers and deceivers.
• Let God declare them guilty.
• Let them be caught in their own traps.
• May God drive them away because of their sins and rebellion against God.

God will handle our enemies. I have seen it time and again. But we are not to take revenge into our own hands. Instead, forgive them and pray for their repentance.


LET IT GO

Thank God for His blessings, protection, and shield of love.