Psalm 5

vs.7

• David is a successful warrior and king, but he doesn’t attempt to draw on his accomplishments to earn God’s favor.
• This verse indicates that David realizes that it is only by God’s divine mercy that anyone is able to approach the Lord, so he maintains an attitude of reverence and humility.
• I believe this has it’s greatest application in times where we are hopelessly lost.  Rarely does a human being approach God when they are full of pride and self-aggrandizing thoughts.
• On the reverse side of that, rarely does a human being approach God when they feel like they are too deeply rooted in their sins and/or deserving of the brokenness that they are experiencing.
• David reveals to us that both mindsets are foolish and inaccurate.  We lie to ourselves in both scenarios.

vs.8

• David states that even the assaults of his enemies make him stronger because they drive him to seek God’s strength.
• Do you ever pray for opposition?  D fail in their pursuit of evil intentions and o you ever ask God to put you into a situation where you will be forced to rely on His power and attributes?
• Maybe a more common request is one for spiritual growth.  Understand that, often, these requests will produce the same results.
• These are dangerous prayers because they are high risk for personal distress and brokenness.
• However theses are also high reward prayers for those whose can focus their perspective on God and make it through to the other side.
• What does this perspective look like?

vs.9-10

• A God focused perspective sees those who have set themselves against you for what they really are in the sight of God... namely, foolish in their every action and rotten from the inside out.
• How would this perspective aid the believer?  It should break our hearts for those who are so lost and hopelessly.
• Understand that the lost are slaves to our broken cultures false assumptions and ideals.

vs.11-12

• In contrast, David now describe those who seek God and who have gained a godly perspective towards their circumstances.
• Look at vs.11.  Notice any repetition or theme.  The God given response to adversity is joy.
• It’s not joy that is found in the adverse circumstances... but joy that is found in the comparison.  You are the recipient of God’s favor.  This knowledge will serve as your shield.