Even after a good night’s sleep, it’s easy for the problems of the day to come crowding in as soon as our feet hit the floor. So, how can we get the morning off to a good start, in spite of whatever pain or opposition we might anticipate?

Well, notice that instead of making a to-do list and instead of worrying about all his problems, David begins his day with prayer to his God and King (verses 2 and 3). Yes, he cries out for help, but he does so while watching for God’s certain deliverance (verse 3).

And his confidence in God’s help is rooted in Who God is. In verses 4 through 6, David reminds himself that God is both holy and just, and thus that God will not allow the wickedness in the world to go on forever. In fact, David prays that God will in fact punish all those who are guilty of sin, all those who continue in rebellion against God (verse 10).

In contrast, David places himself firmly on God’s side, in God’s camp. He asks God to lead him in righteousness, making his path straight and clear in front of him (verse 8). But at the same time, David knows that the only way he can live according to God’s will is to rely on God’s abundant, unconditional, faithful, covenant-keeping love. David will thus not only begin the day in prayer, but continue in an attitude of reverent worship all day long (verse 7).

And what is the result of a life that is bathed in prayer and worship, a life that is determined to follow God’s law of love in the face of all opposition, a life that is confident in God’s justice and mercy? David says that all who thus take refuge in God will be glad and sing for joy, because they can be sure of God’s protecting shelter, of God’s favor and blessing (verses 11-12).

Now, that’s the kind of day we can all look forward to, isn’t it?

Psalm 5 (NASB)

For the choir director; for flute accompaniment. A Psalm of David.
Give ear to my words, O LORD, Consider my groaning.
2 Heed the sound of my cry for help, my King and my God, For to Thee do I pray.
3 In the morning, O LORD, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.
4 For Thou art not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness; No evil dwells with Thee.
5 The boastful shall not stand before Thine eyes; Thou dost hate all who do iniquity.
6 Thou dost destroy those who speak falsehood; The LORD abhors the man of bloodshed and deceit.
7 But as for me, by Thine abundant lovingkindness I will enter Thy house, At Thy holy temple I will bow in reverence for Thee.
8 O LORD, lead me in Thy righteousness because of my foes; Make Thy way straight before me.
9 There is nothing reliable in what they say; Their inward part is destruction itself; Their throat is an open grave; They flatter with their tongue.
10 Hold them guilty, O God; By their own devices let them fall! In the multitude of their transgressions thrust them out, For they are rebellious against Thee.
11 But let all who take refuge in Thee be glad, Let them ever sing for joy; And mayest Thou shelter them, That those who love Thy name may exult in Thee.
12 For it is Thou who dost bless the righteous man, O LORD, Thou dost surround him with favor as with a shield.