The Power in Petition

Psalms 5:8–12
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David’s petition for guidance is the central idea of this passage (vv. 8-12). He did not fight Saul or Saul’s men; he left those battles to the Lord. He trusted God to care for him and God did not fail. His petition for guidance became an urgent plea for God to judge his foes (vv. 9-10). These enemies could not be trusted in what they said. Their words were very deceitful and at the same time full of flattery. Apparently their speech was flattering on the surface but vile in its intent. For this, David called on God to hold them guilty. His desire was to follow the path of right conduct and not be numbered among those God hates.

This psalm closes with an explanation of how God blesses and protects those who love Him:

1. “Thou defendest them” (v. 11).
2. “Thou, Lord, will bless the righteous” (v. 12).
3. “Wilt thou compass him as with a shield” (v. 12).

The righteous should not fear what their enemies can do to them; because we are only a prayer away from divine assistance and protection. We often make the mistake of thinking of love only in terms of gentleness. But God’s love is stronger than any enemy we might face. We can be sure that God’s pay day will come some day for the evildoers.

Application

I must never forget as a child of God that my enemy, Satan, is very real and is out to trick me and defeat me if he can. The only way I will be able to defeat him is to maintain a close relationship with the Lord through prayer and study of His Word. Much will depend on how much time I spend each day in developing that relationship.