March 29, 2023 -- Psalm 5:1-6 -- The Psalm Series: Morning Praise

People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

Give ear to my words, O LORD;
    consider my groaning.
2 Give attention to the sound of my cry,
    my King and my God,
    for to you do I pray.
3 O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
    in the morning I prepare a sacrifice for you and watch.

4 For you are not a God who delights in wickedness;
    evil may not dwell with you.
5 The boastful shall not stand before your eyes;
    you hate all evildoers.
6 You destroy those who speak lies;
    the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
Psalm 5:1-6 ESV

In ancient times, the priests offered a morning sacrifice and an evening sacrifice—the blood of a lamb at each time of sacrifice and 2 liters of fine flour. Now that the blood of Jesus Christ has been offered, no other blood is necessary. Hebrews teaches Christians now bring the sacrifice of praise (Hebrews 13:15-16). It is so fitting to the reading.

It is tempting to start the day grumpily. It is tempting to see what is wrong and going against you and then  react with frustration or anger, rather than yielding your whole life to Him Who is the shield of His people (verse 12). The man who is blessed of God begins his day, and ends it, looking to the LORD His God. He expresses his faith. He sings his hope. He studies the word of God knowing that the LORD God is his strength and song.

The fear of the LORD is rooted in the fact that God will destroy the liar and the blood-thirsty. It is a holy warning that the believer preaches to his own heart. It is vital that Christians banish all wickedness from their lives for one must never on the one hand bless God and on the other act deceitfully. In the morning, offer up to the LORD, the sacrifice of praise by that action you are committing the day and every circumstance in it unto the glory of the LORD in the confidence of His goodness.

Our Father in heaven hallowed and honoured be Your Name, now and forevermore. With the saints of ages past and the great company of believers today, I lift up my voice this morning and praise You. You are the God of our salvation. You are the shield and very great reward of Your people—this is so extravagantly and perfectly displayed in Jesus Christ. Thank You for the Spirit Whom You have placed in Your people so that we are led in righteousness. Let the words of our mouths and the actions of our hands be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, our God. Amen.
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