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“Morning by morning, O Lord, you hear my voice.” Psalm 5:3

OK, this was my ah-ha within the first 5 seconds of my morning time with God today. I remembered Psalm 4 this morning from yesterday and was reminded of my challenge to listen to God in silence before I go to bed. Then I get up THIS morning and see in Psalm 5 that, “morning by morning,” every morning, I can do two things:

“Lay my requests before You, O God, and
Wait in expectation.” Vs 2

So I listen at night, and I talk in the morning! There is SO much in this psalm that can help me with my prayers. David apparently woke up remembering the struggles he had with his enemies; kings have that extra burden to bear, as do most leaders because making tough decisions will usually makes someone unhappy. And so he prayed, in the morning.

First I see that he went to a special place where he could focus on God. For him it was the temple; for me it’s my back porch swing; for you it’s _________, I don’t know where, but as I read this psalm I saw the need that it’s more than just multitasking, saying a quick prayer while I’m brushing my teeth, or having breakfast. David went to the temple where he could focus on his morning talk with the Lord. I remember we had a former president here at Union who told us that when he was in college he would have his morning prayers in the dormitory janitor’s closet! No one would disturb him there! So I creatively find a place to be alone, even for a few minutes, with God. And then I wait, or perhaps listen to what God has to say. When I put myself in a place of spiritual focus and I am attentive to Him more than I ask Him to be attentive to me, I improve the chance that my expectation will be met and I will discover more of God’s plans and less of mine.

And, though David was surrounded by challenges, he focused his prayers on two things:

“Lead me. O Lord, in Your righteousness, and
Make straight your way before me.” Vs 8

What he seemed to be asking for, and what I have discovered too, was not answers to his problems, but the assurance that God was leading and that he was attentively following that lead in his life. That’s all! Problems and challenges will probably always be a part of life and if I focus on them they get my attention. But if instead I focus on Jesus as He offers through His Word to lead me, it’s amazing how many of the “challenges” in life minimize or have a new direction when I focus on something else.

Good lessons for me from the prayers and songs of David. Read verses 11 and 12 for the finale!

Have a great day talking to God this morning,

Pastor Rich

Quote for the day: “In order to be engaged and effective in our call to share the gospel, we must understand and respond to changing cultural perceptions and Christianity's poor reputation.” Barna

PS Christ on Demand- every Tuesday evening at 7:30 in the Rees Hall Chapel join Amber and friends for 30 minutes of devotional sharing. The theme for this year is “Trusting in God.” All are welcome.

PPS Pick up your Operation Christmas Child box today AND drop off your extra winter wear in Campus Ministries or with your liaison and Share the Warmth.