To how many kings of the world can you say, “Give attention to the sound of my cry”? How many “lords” were willing to hear your voice this morning? Maybe you enjoy something I don’t, but there is a giant chasm between my words and the attention of those in the highest positions of power. I can’t stroll into the Oval Office or the Senate Chamber or Buckingham Palace and say, “Give ear to my words.”
But then I read Psalm 5, I hear David talk about “my King and my God,” and my perspective is dramatically broadened. Just listen to the first three verses and marvel at what is being described.
Give ear to my words, O LORD;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
O LORD, in the morning you hear my voice;
in the morning I direct my prayer to you and watch.
To how many kings can I say, “Give attention to the sound of my cry”? Not many. Just one, really. But he’s the greatest, the wisest, most powerful King of all, and he’s “my King.”
How many lords were willing to hear my voice this morning? Not many. Just one, in fact. But he’s the most compassionate, patient, merciful, gracious Lord of all. He considers my groaning. He hears my voice, he cares about my prayers, and he wants to be known as “my God.”
He’s always been. He is, everywhere. He always will be. He’s not a God who delights in wickedness; evil may not dwell with him (5:4). The boastful won’t be able to defy him (5:5). Neither the evildoers, nor liars, nor the bloodthirsty will be able to escape him (5:5-6). I am completely unworthy of an audience with him, but through the abundance of his steadfast love, I can enter and bow in reverence before his holy presence (5:7). “Lead me,” I’m invited and empowered to pray, “in your righteousness” (5:8).
Though I live for a little while in a world where truth is scarce, transgressions are abundant, and rebellion is leading many to destruction (5:9-10), “my King and my God” provides refuge. In that refuge is joy. Those of us who abide in this shelter of the Almighty “ever sing for joy” (5:11).
For you bless the righteous, O LORD;
you cover him with favor as with a shield. (5:12)
Who opens the door, walks into the bedroom of a king, and dares to ask for attention? Who can groan, cry out, or hope to just spend time in such regal quarters? Who knows they will not only be welcomed, but “covered with favor,” night or day, because of their place in the heart of the king? Sons and daughters of the king.
I’m guessing you’re like me. There’s a giant chasm between your words and the attention of those in the highest positions of power. Allow Psalm 5 to remind you. There aren’t many movers and shakers who will consider, give attention to, or even hear you today. But there is one. The One. My King. Our God. Your Father in heaven.
Give ear to my words, O LORD;
consider my groaning.
Give attention to the sound of my cry,
my King and my God,
for to you do I pray.
What an indescribably precious gift…